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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is calling on the MEC of COGHSTA, Bentley Vass to institute an investigation into the Municipal Manager (MM) of Karoo-Hoogland municipality, Mr Jan Fortuin, after allegations relating to unscrupulous behaviour by the controversial MM have come to light.

In this regard, Fortuin is alleged to have underhandedly achieved the required qualifications for his position. At the same time, he seems to consider himself above the law due to apparently enjoying favour by the ANC.

Fortuin previously came under scrutiny in 2018 already, after Vass advised the Mayor, Veruschska Wentzel, that Fortuin was found to be lacking in experience for the position of MM. In this regard, the MM had only two years and eight months experience at a Senior Management level, as opposed to the five years relevant experience at a Senior Management level, as is required by the Minimum Competency Requirements for Senior Managers.

In effect, Vass distinctly advised the Mayor to re-advertise the post and to start the recruitment process afresh but his instruction was ignored. Instead, Fortuin was given eighteen months to achieve the relevant competency levels.

The DA, however, has learned of disturbing allegations relating to the manner in which Fortuin proceeded to acquire his necessary qualifications. In this regard, he is alleged to have entered into an agreement with a colleague, for him to complete the nine assessments on behalf of Fortuin, in exchange for payment. The deal, however, since turned sour after Fortuin opted to reimburse his colleague via a salary increase for the colleagues wife, as opposed to paying him R2500 per assignment, as had initially been agreed upon.

Fortuin has since told the colleague, who is known to the DA, that he was appointed by the ANC led council in Karoo-Hoogland municipality because the ANC bestowed a favour on him.

It is clear that Fortuin seems to think that his protection by the ruling party gives him license to conduct himself in anyway he deems fit. The bottom line, however, is that Fortuin is still not fit for purpose and has no place heading up the Karoo-Hoogland municipality.

Local DA councillors, including Johan Van der Colff, have tried to raise their concerns relating to Fortuin via placing the matter on the Council agenda. However, Wentzel has refused to place any matter pertaining to Fortuin up for discussion.

The DA has previously raised our concerns regarding Fortuin with MEC Bentley Vass. We are again appealing to MEC Vass to step in and launch an investigation into Fortuin, as it is blatantly clear that Fortuin is being protected by the ruling party, at the expense of the people of Karoo-Hoogland municipality, whom he is meant to serve.

Issued by The DA