The Matatiele/Maluti Mass Action Organising Committee (MAOC) met the Public Protector recently to discuss investigations into alleged voting irregularities in Parliament’s passing of the 12th Amendment Act on cross-border municipalities.
Discussions also focused on issues such as the transfer of government assets and duties from KwaZulu-Natal to the Eastern Cape, and the Constitutional Court’s response to applications to reverse the Act.
MAOC was informed that the process of investigation into this matter was in its final stages and a report would be released as soon as the investigation is completed.
Since the 12th Amendment Act was passed last November it has spawned resistance from communities in former cross-boundary municipalities across the country.
”During the meeting, the Public Protector indicated that he was not going to discuss the Constitutional Court’s delay because the issue is sub judice,” said MAOC convenor Mandla Galo. ”But he confirmed that he has sent a letter to the Chief Justice and is expecting a response as early as next week.”
Also embroiled in demarcation woes are the former cross-boundary municipalities of Moutse in Limpopo and Merafong in North West.
Last weekend, more than 500 senior teachers in Moutse did not receive their monthly salaries. This resulted in an educators’ ”go-slow” throughout the district this week.
The teachers blamed the government for the non-payment, which they claimed was caused by the transfer of government assets and duties from Mpumalanga to Limpopo.
”Only permanent teachers were paid on July 22,” claimed Limpopo education’s acting head of department Morwamphakga Nkadimeng. ”Temporary teachers and those on probation will get their salaries on the last day of the month.”
But the Mail & Guardian has seen two lists naming the unpaid senior teachers in Moutse East. They show shows that most of those affected have been in their posts for at least 10 years.