ActionSA welcomes the decision by Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka to clear former City of Johannesburg mayoral committee member for economic development, Nkuli Mbundu, of any allegations that he improperly interfered in the procurement processes of the Walter Sisulu Square Of Dedication (WSSD). 

We congratulate Mbundu for staying the course and subjecting himself to an investigation knowing that he would be vindicated. 

As a party which values ethical leadership, ActionSA welcomed any investigation into our public office bearers but always maintained that the allegations against Mbundu were politically motivated for the work he was doing to clean up the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC). As now supported by the Public Protector, Mbundu exercised his oversight duties when he discovered that the WSSD project was overpriced and requested further action from JPC officials. 

The JPC has long been plagued by corruption allegations, and ActionSA is therefore concerned that at the time of the Mbundu investigation, media outlets widely reported on the matter. However it is evident that once he has been cleared, the vindication isn’t published nearly as widely. This poses serious questions about how we as a country, treat those those who deal with allegations correctly and legitimately to clear their names. 

ActionSA has never been a party to shield away from any investigation, and where necessary, have taken harsh action against any official found guilty of unethical behaviour. We again congratulate Mbundu for staying the course to clear his name and thank him for the work he did to clean up the JPC. Mbundu is a prime example of an official who took action to fix Johannesburg, and we thank him for his service. 

 

Issued by ActionSA National Chairperson Michael Beaumont