Pretoria - Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa has welcomed investigations by the Public Protector into allegations of misusing public funds and resources to campaign for his re-election as chairperson of the ANC's Tshwane region.
Ramokgopa said he would give his full support to the process.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela announced last week that she would be investigating the mayor on allegations of misusing state funds and resources.
Addressing the media in Pretoria this afternoon, Ramokgopa said he was committed to clean governance and would ensure that he remained accountable to the public.
"It is important that we restore public confidence, and as such we will allow the Public Protector to do her work," he said.
Ramokgopa said so far there has been no formal correspondence between him and the office of the Public Protector.
With regard to the allegations levelled against the City's Deputy Police Chief Ndumiso Jaca of using an unregistered registration plate on his vehicle, Ramokgopa announced that Jaca had been put on special leave to allow the investigation process to continue.
The recently appointed City Manager Jason Ngobeni has been asked to investigate the matter.
The City's council had given Jaca time to respond in writing to the allegations and he has since submitted his written report.
According to Ramokgopa, Jaca said he was not aware that the vehicle was not registered as he had requested an agency to register the vehicle on his behalf.
In his investigation, the City Manager would also investigate claims of a pending warrant of arrest against Jaca by the Johannesburg Metro Police.
Ramokgopa said the investigation would not exceed a period of three months.
Jaca is one of the candidates who had applied for the position of the City's Police Chief.
Commenting on the Schubart Park flats issue, Ramokgopa said they were continuing with the evacuation of residents because the place was unfit for habitation.
He said registered tenants were being offered alternative accommodation. Foreigners were being requested to provide proof of residence.
The evacuation of tenants at Schubart Park is per court order, which said the place is unfit for people to stay there.
Ramokgopa said the refurbishment of the flats would be done within 18 months. They were waiting for structural engineers to conclude their report or assessment.
The City has been evacuating Schubart Park residents since last month after unrest broke out over poor living conditions at the flats.
