Emfuleni municipality under scrutiny following complaints on lack of service delivery

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The South African Human Rights Commission’s in Gauteng is expected to conduct a subpoena hearing against the Emfuleni Local Municipality on Wednesday morning.

According to the Commission, the subpoena hearing relates to various water and sanitation, and housing complaints lodged and being investigated by the Gauteng Provincial Office (GPO).

SAHRC Provincial Manager, Zamantungwa Mbeki, said the intention of the subpoena hearing is to compel the Executive Mayor to provide testimony regarding human rights investigations against the municipality.

“This hearing is conducted because voluntary cooperation has not been received by the Commission from the Municipality. 

“The main intention is to ensure accountability and transparency relating to complaints investigated by the Commission.

Municipality’s failure to respond to allegations

“Since 2023, the GPO has undertaken numerous investigations against the municipality concerning water and sanitation, human settlements and pollution,” she remarked.

Mbeki highlighted that to date, the municipality has failed to respond to the various allegations.

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She added; “Consequently, the GPO initiated these proceedings to advance the investigations and work toward resolving the matters.”