The City Of Cape Town has suspended transport commissioner Melissa Whitehead over tender irregularities. The decision was made a short while ago in a closed council session. Whitehead will now face a disciplinary inquiry on four misconduct charges involving the tenders for buses, the loss of bus fares and nepotism.
Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille is also under investigation for allegedly protecting Whitehead and covering up the corruption. Whitehead has been in charge of the City’s transport for over six years. Allegations also emerged that Whitehead had favoured a bid into the City’s delayed Foreshore Project. Its believed that De Lille and former City Manager Achmat Ebrahim had shut down a forensic investigation into Whitehead.
This was the second time the City council met behind closed doors to discuss the suspension of Whitehead. Earlier this month they decided to have De Lille investigated for covering up the corruption allegations Whitehead is facing. The mayor is also facing a tough time with her own party as the DA prepares to welcome new leadership.
Last Sunday the DA decided to formally charge De Lille for bringing the party into disrepute. In a 200-page document, De Lille said the allegations made by the so-called Steenhuisen Report contain anonymous allegations and that she is the victim of a “witch hunt”
This week City Manager Ebrahim resigned following the controversy involving Whitehead, just days before his fate was decided.
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