Johannesburg - The Star has uncovered an alleged plot to remove Joburg mayor Geoff Makhubo.
Labour Union Ilawu (Independent Liberation & Allied Workers Union) has revealed a WhatsApp conversation said to be linked to ANC regional treasurer and City of Joburg environment and infrastructure services MMC Mpho Moerane.
Ilawu secretary-general Siphamandla Masimula has accused Moerane supporters of paying protesters to march against Makhubo.
It is believed that the mayor and Moerane are in a contest for the position of ANC Gauteng chairperson.
On Wednesday, Ilawu marched to the office of the Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
“We stand for low income employees and the EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme). Our attack on Premier Makhura is because he does not respect EPWP workers; we have nothing to do with the ANC’s internal squabbles.
“A gentleman called Lucky ‘Bazooka’ Mokoena WhatsApp’d us offering us money to insult Makhubo.
“That is how politicians have destroyed labour unions in this country. It is a disgrace,” Masimula said.
In the WhatsApp messages seen by The Star, the individual asks Masimula to send his account numbers.
“Who is funding you? We can work together. Send your account numbers. But Geoff must go.”
On calling the WhatsApp number, a man answered but the phone was then switched off.
In another feud, Makhubo’s detractors are fuming after City of Joburg municipal manager Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni, resigned following disagreements with the mayor.
Last year, Makhubo ordered Lukhwareni to take decisive action against individuals implicated in personal protective equipment (PPE)-related corruption within the metro.
It is believed three members of the ANC Gauteng provincial executive committee were found to have benefited from PPE related tenders.
The conflict apparently started when Makhubo asked for the PPE report to be tabled and released to the public but Lukhwareni delayed.
Makhubo is also reported to have been “very angry” with Lukhwareni after he also delayed in tabling a special audit report on the procurement of the coronavirus PPEs.
The Star