Councillors clash over security tender

The Speaker Dipuo Peters ordered opposition councillors to "put down their hands and sit down" during a heated council meeting this week when objections were raised over a security tender that was approved for the installation of CCTV cameras in and around the city.

The municipal manager, Thapelo Matlala, stated that cameras were installed to secure the infrastructure at substations, water and waste treatment plants that had come under attack as a result of vandalism and theft. "We had to approve a deviation to respond to frequent electricity outages. For the first time, suspects were arrested after the cameras were installed."

Chairperson of the safety and security committee, Nomizizi Maputle, recommended that the item be sent back to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for investigation. "Securing infrastructure has been a problem for a long time, and while something must be done, we have security guards employed at the institution. However, they do not have personal protective equipment or the equipment needed to do their work."

She indicated that the matter was referred from the safety and security committee to the finance committee and back again to her committee. "We did not have an opportunity to raise questions. There was no director in charge at the time."

DA caucus chairperson Elize Niemann said the municipality was paying around R150,000 per month for 15 sites. "A deviation was approved for about R1.7 million for a duration of 12 months, while security concerns have been ongoing for a long time. The first month has to be paid, while some sites do not have any cameras. Damages amounting to R1 million were incurred during a break-in where property was stolen after the cameras were set up." She indicated that the tender did not follow the correct processes. "We only heard about it after the cameras were installed."

ANC councillor Robert Kok was convinced that the protection of infrastructure justified the emergency deviation. "We have a video where suspects are caught in the act. It is working."

FF+ councillor Johan Smit queried what procurement processes were followed. "We do not know if the CCTV cameras are of the required specifications or if they were purchased from Temu," Smit said.

ANC councillor Casper Rammutle highlighted the importance of safeguarding the assets of the municipality. "Residents have to sleep with one eye open and are often left for months, if not years, without electricity. Millions of rands are being lost to damage to infrastructure. We should give the contract the benefit of the doubt.

"We plead with the committee for safety and security to ask for a report into what transpired and take up any outstanding issues with the legal unit."

EFF councillor Kenneth Kock was silenced and ordered to take his seat when he pointed out that the matter had already been discussed at the finance committee. The Speaker Dipuo Peters ended the debate and recommended that the finance and safety, and security committee meet to iron out any differences.

"It can be placed as an item at a special council meeting. This can be discussed in my office," she instructed.