The City of Tshwane has welcomed a Labour Court judgment dismissing an urgent application by five officials implicated in the controversial Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works tender, paving the way for disciplinary proceedings against them to continue.
The officials had sought to stop the hearings after the City introduced additional charges based on new evidence uncovered by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). However, the court ruled there was no basis to halt the disciplinary process.
Welcoming the judgment, the City said, “The judgment has vindicated the city’s dogged pursuit to bring new charges… underscoring the importance of allowing established labour law processes to take their course without any hindrance.”
The matter was referred back for a fresh disciplinary hearing after the City successfully challenged an earlier sanction, arguing it was too lenient. The Rooiwal tender awarded to Blackhead Joint Venture had previously been declared irregular and set aside by the Pretoria High Court.
According to the City, the SIU uncovered evidence suggesting key tender documents were omitted and that the bid evaluation process may have been manipulated to favour Blackhead Joint Venture. The court found the officials had failed to meet the legal requirements for an interim interdict, stating there was “no basis to prevent the city from proceeding with the disciplinary hearing.”
The City said the ruling strengthens accountability in local government, adding, “The city respects and views the judgment as an important affirmation of sound governance, accountability and the rule of law within local government,” and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring ethical governance.
About The Author
