Over the last few weeks, Swellendam has been embroiled in scandals and accusations, culminating in the vote of no confidence against the mayor and the resignation of the speaker. While the Vermaak Report may be tainted by certain relationships with specific individuals, it does highlight serious flaws within the municipality’s tender processes. These are flaws we cannot afford to ignore, even as we recognize the need to tread carefully in drawing conclusions until all legal and official implications are made clear. 

This leads me to a fundamental question: what defines the line between fraud and tender irregularities? Fraud is intentional deception for personal gain or to damage another, while tender irregularities may stem from procedural or administrative lapses. While the latter might not always be criminal, it reflects poor governance and opens the door to corruption. It is essential that we, as residents, understand this distinction while also holding our leaders accountable for both. 

Further, why was it deemed necessary to include the phrase “ANC causing trouble” in today’s press release from a prominent information source? If the municipality considers everyone mentioned in the report as innocent until proven guilty, shouldn’t the same standard apply to the organizers of today’s protest? Why are they painted with a broad brush while others are shielded from such labels? 

This brings me to a broader and more troubling pattern. Why are we, as people of color, so quick to defend those who claim to represent us, even when their actions directly exploit or harm us? Have we forgotten that politically aligned families seem to benefit first from EPWP jobs or temporary positions whenever projects like the train arise? Why do we tolerate blatant nepotism when it comes from our own, yet only raise our voices when the abuse comes from the opposing side? Is our hatred for the “other” so deep that we willingly ignore injustices when committed by those aligned with us? 

To the youth of Swellendam: I hear many of you complain about a lack of opportunities. But how many have taken the time to visit the Swellendam procurement page and review the documents for yourselves? Knowledge is power—yet how often are you informed about these opportunities? And more importantly, how often are you excluded from them because those in power use their positions to benefit their close associates? 

This brings up another key issue: why is the whistleblower from the municipality not mentioned by name? If we are to hold everyone accountable, then transparency applies across the board. Why is it also ignored that, until a certain point, this whistleblower’s partner—aligned to the opposition—received several tender awards? If we’re going to criticize flaws in the system, we must acknowledge the patterns of favoritism that have existed regardless of political affiliation. 

How is it that certain individuals, including honourable members of parliament or municipal councillors, continue to have close associates or family members awarded tenders? And when have any of these leaders reached out to the youth or the community to educate them about these opportunities, instead of keeping such information within their own circles? 

As a community, we must stop picking and choosing when to demand accountability. If we truly want progress in Swellendam, we must address these issues head-on, regardless of political alignment or personal loyalties. The flaws in our system demand more from us as residents: a commitment to fairness, transparency, and holding everyone to the same standard of integrity.  

– Graham Mutyambizi;  5  February 2025