MBABANE- “I am not above the law, and I should also be held accountable.”
This was said by Gciniwe Fakudze, Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Council of Mbabane, in response to claims that she insulted staff members.
Fakudze emphasised that, to the best of her understanding, all employees of the municipality, whether the CEO, driver or any other staff member, should be equally subject to the law if they commit unlawful acts.
Fakudze also stated that, like other public sector organisations, the municipality considers whistleblowers. She encouraged anyone with proof of the claims to come forward.
Fakudze said if whistleblowers fear direct engagement with management, they are at liberty to forward their evidence to councillors, staff bodies or social partners.
“All we know is that we had meetings, and we can investigate. However, the challenge is that these claims are circulating without proof. The words contained in the unfounded allegations are distasteful, and no one has the right to speak to people in that manner,” she said.
She added: “If there is proof, we would appreciate seeing it and attending to the claims.”
The CEO expressed her belief that everyone within an organisation should be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their position.
Mayor Thulani Mkhonto assured the public that the council would have held Fakudze accountable and dealt with her according to the disciplinary code had it receive a formal complaint backed by evidence that she insulted staff.
Mkhonto stated that, so far, the council has not received any formal complaints and evidence regarding the allegations made against the CEO. He explained that the municipality has a staff association and union to represent employee interests.
He said if staff members felt insulted, such claims would have been reported through these established structures.
Mkhonto also addressed claims related to funds allocated for the ongoing bridge project at Fonteyn. He dismissed reports suggesting that Fakudze solicited funding for personal travel.
He clarified that the funding was part of recognising their efforts and good work in the city, through support from the Eswatini National Provident Fund for road upgrade projects.
He explained that any travel by the CEO or other employees requires trip proposals to besubmitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Mkhonto said the ministry scrutinises the purpose of the trips and invites the applicant for approval before the minister’s endorsement.
“The ongoing project at Fonteyn is carried out by the town in collaboration with the ENPF,” he said.
He further stated that it is estimated to cost between E6 million and E7 million.
“The project falls under emergency projects, though it is beyond the usual five-year plan outlined in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Many zones are eagerly awaiting the road upgrade, and the municipality is doing all it can to provide the necessary service,” he said.
