The Matjhabeng fleet has been a bone of contention since Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha came into power as the executive mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in 2021.
In August 2023, Vista reported the unveiling of a groundbreaking investment totalling R31 million in state-of-the-art equipment, and in June 2024 Khalipha went to great lengths to again introduce the newly acquired fleet of R30 million.
Twice since the acquisition of the new fleet, Vista has made enquiries accompanied by registration numbers of vehicles alleged to be second-hand.
This week Vista again enquired about the purchase of this fleet and its authenticity as a fleet of brand-new vehicles.
Vista again enquired about the initial acquisition and the process followed, including the tender process as stipulated by law.
In his response, Thediso Tlali, spokesperson for the municipality, told Vista to follow the guidelines set forth in the Promotion of Access to Information Act to obtain the information that was requested.
Vista had, among others, asked Khalipha to answer in the light of transparency and his ardent and true fight against corruption in all its forms within the municipality.
Vista stated that as the fleet was acquired with public money, true answers to these questions would surely appease the uncertainty of the residents of Matjhabeng.
Among others, Vista asked when did Matjhabeng request the national government to assist with the purchase of this fleet, and what procedure was followed?
Vista asked for a copy of the quote that was given to the national government stating the makes and models of the eight trucks, and which vehicle company or dealership they were purchased from, and also how the payments to dealerships were made (keeping in mind this is public money).
Furthermore it has long been rumoured that the vehicles are not new (as stipulated by law), but bought from third parties.
Did the process of the new fleet go to tender, and where were the tenders published?
The big question is why these, and other service delivery agreements, are not on the Matjhabeng website as prescribed by law.
