Grocott's Mail has revealed several scandals at the City Hall to our readers during the past year. Many of these began after Makana Municipality appointed Pravine Naidoo as municipal manager.
Grocott's Mail has revealed several scandals at the City Hall to our readers during the past year. Many of these began after Makana Municipality appointed Pravine Naidoo as municipal manager.
Many of the stories we broke have subsequently been confirmed in a report issued by audit firm Kabuso.
* No to MM's head-hunt bid (GM 14 June 2013)
Councillors refused to entertain the municipal manager's request to head-hunt candidates in order to fill critical vacancies in the municipality.
* R3 million payout for Naidoo (GM, 1 November 2013)
As Makana Municipality was struggling to quell rumours of bankruptcy and the threat of going under administration, explosive evidence emerged of a secret R3 million deal with Pravine Naidoo signed by the speaker Rachel Madinda-Isaac.
* D-Day for Naidoo (Grocott's Mail, 29 November 2013)
Naidoo was placed on precautionary leave for seven days for allegedly interfering with his own legal case with Makana.
* Mayor, Naidoo in secret talks (GM, 20 December 2013)
After Naidoo's suspension the vehicles of Mayor Zamuxolo Peter, Naidoo and former strategic manager Mncedisi Boma were seen parked outside the mayoral residence in Ilchester Road. The Mayor said when asked about the secret meeting that they were not discussing the former municipal manager's suspension.
* Squeeze on city bosses (GM, 17 January 2014)
Claiming "concrete evidence" of their interference in municipal financial and operational matters, the DA vowed to pursue criminal charges against Council Speaker Rachel Madinda-Isaac and suspended Strategic Manager Mncedisi Boma.
* Theft charge over missing Naidoo file (GM, 24 January 2014)
Then acting municipal manager Mandisi Planga opened a case of theft with Grahamstown SAPS against Boma for allegedly taking a personnel file belonging to Naidoo. The file was Council's property.
* Naidoo loses court bid (GM, 31 January 2014)
* Naidoo found guilty (GM, 14 March 2014)
Pravine Naidoo was dismissed as Makana's municipal manager with immediate effect.
