MATSAPHA: Lucky Sukati, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Matsapha Municipality has, once again, committed a huge blunder that undermined the ongoing Local Government Elections, he allegedly failed to place a purchase order with the supply on time, for the delivery of ballot papers.
As a result on Saturday,some voters within the various Municipalities across the country, were stranded and the voting might be postponed.
“His preferred vendor could not supply because Sukati issued order late.Order was issued on Tuesday yet it was agreed in a meeting that he’s preferred vendor should proceed, that was last Thursday.This preferred vendor then declined to supply because of time, the next preferred vendor didn’t have the capacity to deliver,” said an insider very close to the matter.
A questionnaire was sent to the Matsapha CEO,however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
As a result of the CEOs alleged blunder, voters at Msunduza Hall-Mbabane East,were stranded by 10am on Saturday due to the non-availability of ballot papers.
The CEO is being investigated by the Auditor General(AG) on allegations of fraud and corruption in that, he allegedly released part of the R12million Local Government Elections monies to Slomoes Corporation(PTY) LTD despite being warned not to do so,the monies were requested for the provision of an electronic voting system.
Reached for comments, Makhosi Simelane, the Acting Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said as a Ministry, they appointed an Elections Coordinator to oversee the ongoing Local Government Elections.
“I will have to check what is happening and request a preliminary report from the Elections Coordinator regarding the alleged shortage of ballot papers. But as far as I understand, voting is continuing.Maybe if you can tell me the name of the town where there is a problem so that I can check specifically that town,” said the Acting Principal Secretary(PS).
The Acting Controlling Officer was then told by this journalist that voters were stranded at Mbabane East-Msunduza Hall, and Simelane promised to check and update accordingly.
Voters were stranded at Msunduza Hall on Saturday morning.