THE Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the City Manager, Sipho Nzuza, calling for an immediate forensic investigation into the expenditure on the 2016 Essence Festival.
This follows a presentation by acting Deputy City Manager, Phillip Sithole, who revealed that the City had spent R95 million on the event, almost 60 per cent more than the budgeted amount of R35 million.
The DA has also reliably learnt that the City allegedly spent R103 million on the actual event and not the R95 million it presented.
Zwakele Mncwango, KZN DA leader, said: “This blatant irregular expenditure ironically took place in a time of increased calls on residents to tighten their belts in these tough economic times.”
He said the alleged overspending was not only shocking but also abnormal and could not be left unchallenged.
“We believe there have been many irregularities and possible corruption and want it investigated thoroughly,” said Mncwango.
“The DA challenges the City Manager to commit to his word on fighting corruption in eThekwini. There are strong indications that public funds were looted by greedy people under the disguise of the Essence Festival. This ransacking of people’s money must end now and those who are guilty of misusing public funds must be brought to book,” he said.
