Cllr Nhlakanipho G Zuma, Executive Mayor crashed his mayoral vehicle in the early hours of Sunday morning November 10, 2024.
Councillors received the following message informing them of the accident:
The Office of the Executive Mayor would like to inform all Councillors and Officials of an accident that occurred on Sunday morning, November 10, 2024.
The Executive Mayor, Cllr NG Zuma, was involved in an accident on Sunday morning, November 10th, 2024, while driving from a meeting.
The accident involved the Executive Mayor’s vehicle only and no other vehicle or person was involved.
The Executive Mayor drove without his protectors as they were off duty.
The Executive Mayor is doing well and did not sustain any injuries.
The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities including the Police and other relevant Authorities.
The incident sparked several viral videos on the internet and kept the social media platforms buzzing.
The EFF and the VF+ were quick to question whether the vehicle was used in an official capacity or private. The EFF wrote a letter to Zuma questioning his use of the vehicle.
“We as the Economic Freedom Fighters request a formal investigation on the events that transpired that led to the nature of the Municipality’s’ Executive Mayor’s vehicle damage,” said EFF Councillor Nthabeleng Mtahane, “After pending the investigation’s outcome, rigid Consequence management will be sanctioned.”
The EFF’s letter contained the following questions aimed at clarifying the incident.
We, (The Economic Freedom Fighters) however are concerned about you driving yourself using the Municipality vehicle on the day of the accident, on Sunday. The Economic Freedom Fighters would like to have an understanding of the below:
- The whereabouts of the accident (Area where it occurred)
- Since there was no other vehicle involved, what caused the accident?
- Can we be provided with the accident report including the pictures of the car on the accident scene (Along with a blood alcohol test (BAC))
- The tracker report
- Full details of the meeting that you attended on a Sunday, venue, Time, Participants and signed attendance register there off.
- Provide reasons and motivation on why we should still keep your drivers and bodyguards employed because the statement provided is in breach of the Councillor code of conduct,” A Councillor may not use, take, acquire or benefit from any property or asset owned, controlled or managed by the municipality to which that councillor has no right” and;
- The Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 (“the Systems Act”) defines the legal nature of a municipality and provides for how municipal powers and functions are exercised and performed.
The Freedom Front Plus responded in a similar manner to the incident.
“I am concerned about the delayed response from the mayor’s office regarding the accident. The Chief of Staff only responded on November 14, 2024, four days after the incident,” said FF+ Councillor Aranda Nel-Buitendag, “I believe it is essential for the municipality to be transparent and responsive in matters of public interest.”
The FF+ statement had similar questions to the EFF statement.
In light of this incident, I respectfully request that you provide answers to the following questions:
1. What was the cause of the accident involving your vehicle?
2. What was the time of the accident?
3. Was a case opened by SAPS, and if so, please provide the case number.
4. Why were your protectors not present at the time of the accident?
5. Have you received any medical attention or treatment following the accident?
6. Will there be an internal investigation into the accident, and if so, what will be the scope of the investigation?
“The FF Plus may want to consider requesting an investigation into the accident and the municipality’s safety protocols to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future,” concluded Buitendag.
The Bulletin was told that the incident happened on a farm owned by Amos Skosana. Skosana is alleged to be a good friend of Zuma. This information could not be independently verified as the case number as well as the Police station where the incident was reported have not been released yet.
In our research, it was difficult to find a definitive updated vehicle policy on the use of council vehicles. Although several draft policies served in the council the only one that was accepted and approved by the GMM Councill in June 2008.
The following are excerpts from the council item:
The vehicle and equipment pool is an operational resource to enable employees to effectively execute the business of the Council. Planning and use of vehicles and equipment must be coordinated to achieve the maximum asset benefit with the minimum asset utilization.
Fleet and equipment are the property of the municipality and are to be used in a responsible manner. Employees, political office bearers and Councillors are expected to protect the interests of Council while using pool vehicles and equipment. Adequate controls will be exercized to ensure that municipal property is not misused.
The following are excerpts from the policy:
The executive mayor is authorised to use the mayoral vehicle for purposes relating to Council’s activities but may be driven by a dedicated chauffeur.
Except for routine maintenance needs, only authorised chauffeur is permitted to drive the mayoral vehicle. Council will provide the authorised driver users with the services of a designated chauffeur.
A logbook for the mayoral vehicle, recording all relevant details, must be kept and submitted to the vehicle transport officer after completion of each trip.
Vehicles shall be handled and cared for in a responsible manner. Preventative measures shall, at all times, be kept to protect vehicles and equipment.
The Bulletin will continue to investigate this story and will bring you updates when and if it surfaces
