The DA in Amajuba has condemned COGTA MEC Dube-Ncube’s decision to ‘protect possible crooks and cronies in Newcastle by saying that no one will be prosecuted or investigated for the financial downfall of this Municipality’.
Imran Keeka MPL, DA Amajuba Constituency Head at Amajuba (the area covering Newcastle, Charlestown, Utrecht, Dannhauser and Hattingpsruit), told the Courier that during a recent visit to the area, MEC Dube-Ncube had made it clear that no one from the previous council, many of whom still sit on the current council, will be investigated.
“This is indeed shocking. It is now clear to us that MEC Dube-Ncube is hell bent on protecting her comrades who are EXCO members and councillors.
“Section 32(d) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) states that any political office-bearer or official of a municipality who deliberately or negligently made or authorised a fruitless and wasteful expenditure is liable for that expenditure.
“The DA believes that MEC Dube-Ncube has no intention of ensuring good governance in this municipality, effectively allowing those who plundered the coffers and left Newcastle in a massive financial crisis to get away. The Municipality is in financial turmoil because of irregularities and possible fraud. There is an unfunded budget. The municipality’s financial reserves are now depleted and treasury has denied a loan of R90million which leaves the municipality unable to carry out any capital projects or basic service delivery functions.
“The DA has moved a motion with notice asking the provincial legislature to instruct both the MEC’s of Finance and COGTA to launch forensic investigations and not allow anomalies to be swept under the carpet. We expect that those eventually found culpable, will be prosecuted.
“The rot in municipalities cannot be protected or covered up. The resultant halting of services or lack of proper delivery will only increase and the suffering will soar.
“If these MEC’s shy away from doing their jobs, it will confirm how they further undermine a society underpinned by freedom, fairness and opportunity. This will confirm their non-committal to clean governance.”
Media Enquiries
083 703 9135
