EFF condemns corruption in Port St Johns, calls for investigation following CFO resignation.
Image: Picture: File
Tembisa Kahla Sikolo, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Port St Johns Local Municipality, has resigned amid allegations that political figures pressured her to process fraudulent invoices and approve millions in payments for projects that never materialised.
In her resignation letter Sikolo gave official notice of her departure, with her last working day set for March 28, 2025.
"I, Tembisa Kahla Sikolo, hereby tender my resignation from the position of Chief Financial officer at Port St Johns Municipality," said Sikolo.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have condemned her resignation, linking it to a broader corruption scandal within the municipality.
According to the EFF, Sikolo refused to be complicit in financial misconduct involving payments for a non-existent road project.
"Sikolo was allegedly pressured by certain political figures to process fraudulent invoices and approve payments worth millions of rands for projects that were never executed, including a road that remains unbuilt despite a tender being awarded," the EFF said.
The EFF further criticised the African National Congress (ANC)-led municipality, accusing it of systemic corruption, governance failure, and economic stagnation.
"Under the ANC’s three-decade rule, Port St Johns has become a textbook example of governance failure," the EFF said.
The party praised Sikolo for taking a stand against corruption, calling her resignation an act of courage.
"We salute Ms. Sikolo for her courage in refusing to be complicit in this criminality, even at the cost of her position."
The EFF has since demanded a full, independent investigation into the allegations, urging the Public Protector and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to uncover the truth.
"We will not allow the hard-earned taxes of our people to be siphoned off into the pockets of corrupt individuals while our communities lack basic services."
As calls grow for action, the EFF has also demanded the immediate suspension of all officials implicated in the scandal and the blacklisting of the company that won the tender for the unbuilt road.
"The people of Port St Johns deserve transparency, accountability, and justice—not empty promises," said the EFF.
“We will not rest until every cent stolen from our communities is recovered and every corrupt individual is behind bars.”
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