BURGERSFORT
Media houses in Sekhukhune have accused the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality of nepotism, sabotage, tenders for pals and sidelining local print media and radio stations in the region.
In their complaints, they alleged the FTLM’s communications department led by acting manager, Mahlako Komane has been giving out advertising opportunities to a single newspaper based in the Capricorn District, ignoring media houses in Sekhukhune.
The newspaper is allegedly less than a year old, has no website, with a social media (Facebook) following of less than 200 people. It is also not distributed in other municipalities within Sekhukhune.
“Only that particular publication is benefiting, others are only urged to submit their invoices, knowing deep down, they have chosen their favourite publication, which is based in Polokwane.
“We as local media houses, are capable of rendering top notch and quality service and we are also compliant, why are we not considered, but only a single publication benefits?” they asked.
The media teams, alleged Komane has close links with the company which is benefiting from the big chunks of the adverts.
“She is a friend to the owner of the Polokwane publication,” alleged the media house owners.
The fed-up media houses indicated that they were recently asked to submit a quotation for advertising the vacant stands at Mashifane 2 and 3.
“We discovered that the quotations were only asked to make it look like the FTLM has followed the right processes, when we were invited to bid, the advertisement was already out and published by the Polokwane paper.”
Another issue raised by these locals, is the unpaid monies for the previous work they rendered.
“We feel the FTLM is sabotaging us, there is outstanding invoices dating back from February that are unpaid, but we learnt that their favourite newspaper is constantly receiving payments, while were are fed with empty promises after every inquiry.”
The media teams added, “All we need is a fair process, and that local media houses also be granted opportunities. We are rarely given businesses when we bid outside. Our wish is for the FTLM to rotate these opportunities and fairly give everyone a chance and also prioritize locals.”
The disgruntled media teams alleged it has been a norm for the FTLM, to prioritize businesses from the Capricorn, Vhembe and other districts when giving out tenders.
“This has to change, it also happens in construction, events, and other departments, locals are ignored while outsiders’ benefit.”
The media owners, alleged that FTLM’s biasness, is a violation of several municipal regulations, including, the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations.
On Monday, Sekhukhune Times forwarded queries to the FTLM’s communications team about the allegations raised by the media teams.
“FTLM follows its approved Supply Chain Management processes and applicable procurement legislation. The Municipality conducts business with service providers that meet the required compliance requirements, including registration on the Central Supplier Database where applicable. These requirements apply equally to all service providers seeking to do business with the municipality.
Media buying is undertaken through an appointed panel of service providers. The Communications and Marketing Unit does not independently appoint media houses or issue contracts outside the Municipality’s procurement processes,” said the acting communications manager Komane.