City’s investigation into Planning Department staff drawing plans commence on April

By Mandisi Tyulu
01 April 2009

The investigation into 32 staff members of the City of Cape Town’s Planning and Building Development Management Department that were drawing building plans in a private capacity, without permission, has been completed. Planning and Building Development Management, Director, Cheryl Walters says two of the staff under investigation resigned, one retired and 12 cases were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

The disciplinary process of the remaining 17 staff is underway.

‘The disciplinary hearings were split into two blocks. The first block of hearings commenced on 23 February 2009.’’ There were eight slots and the outcome was as follows:
· two staff members applied to go on early retirement
· three staff members were dismissed with immediate effect
· three hearings were postponed to take place in the second block
· the outcome of one hearing is still awaited

The second block of 12 hearings is to commence early in April 2009, says Walters.

Should the public wish to report any City employee for conducting private work on drawing of building plans or provide any information on this matter please call the City of Cape Town’s anti-corruption number 0800 32 31 30.