This follows grievances tabled by protest leaders that the Bloemfontein-based Metro has irregularly employed outsiders whilst chucking local residents. Nxgangisa, during the briefing on the update of the protests following a meeting with Premier Sisi Ntombela and other leaders, said the alleged irregular employment of 120 employees will be scrutinised. Ngxangisa further revealed that they will receive a report on Tuesday 25 May regarding the investigation into awarded contracts.

He is also expected to receive a report which looked into the irregular employment of these 120 employees. “We suspended the shutdown, pending the report on Tuesday,” he says.

Ngxangisa said if the council fails to take a resolution to suspend the under-fire Mea, he will be forced to take court action against the council. The council sits on Thursday to discuss its Municipal Manager Tankiso Mea's suspension.

This follows a string of misconduct and maladministration allegations against Mea, who has been further accused of failing to carry out his duties with due diligence. This comes after the Mangaung Shutdown protests brought the city to a halt. Disgruntled residents were complaining about corruption, lack of service delivery, and a high rate of unemployment.

OFM News