Emadlangeni sets record straight on budget –
Emadlangeni Mayor, Mzwakhe Buthelezi has noted with concern the ‘distorted and untrue article’ published in a national publication recently, claiming the Council attempted to short-cut the 2022/2023 Budget.
In a press statement from Emadlangeni’s Head of Communications, Ayanda Mabaso, Cllr Buthelezi placed on record that the Executive Committee met on May 24 to consider the final Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP), and to make recommendations to Council as per Section 30 of the Municipal Structures Act – Act 117 of 1998.
According to the statement, the Exco’s recommendations were tabled in Council two days later, as per Section 24 (1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) – Act 56 of 2003. Council resolved not to approve the Budget, as the Provincial Treasury assessment on the Draft Budget indicated this would be unfunded due to overestimated collection rates and other assumptions.
It must be stated that Provincial Treasury highlighted that it had raised concerns with the Budget even in the previous financial year, and the previous administration failed to address those concerns.”
Council was said to have directed management to revise the Budget accordingly, with Council to re-convene a week later to deliberate on the document as per Section 25 (1) of the MFMA.
On June 3, according to the statement, Council met to approved the 2022/2023 Final Budget, which is the first step in ensuring Council ‘hits the ground running’ in ensuring services to the community.
The purported condonation that should have been sought is factually incorrect, as this is only done if you fail to approve the budget by the first day of the succeeding financial year, which is July 1 as per sections 25 (3) and 55 of the MFMA…”
Cllr Buthelezi called it disappointing that a councillor ‘opted to spread misinformation to media’ without exhausting the internal processes of Council to raise their concerns. Although the Mayor conceded the municipality faced challenges, the current administration is ‘working tirelessly to stabilise and turn the financial situation around’.
He added that Council had implemented cost containment measures to curtail irregular and wasteful expenditure, and had also taken action against those alleged to have mismanaged municipal funds, including the Chief Financial Officer, who was suspended and is currently in a disciplinary hearing.
Cllr Buthelezi stated Council had also finalised a prolonged disciplinary matter involving the former Municipal Manager, who has been dismissed.
These and many other interventions have seen much stability within the municipality and the situation is turning around. It is malicious to claim the municipality is in crisis when there is evidently much improvement.”
In conclusion, Cllr Buthelezi gave assurances to Utrecht residents that Council is committed to ensuring services are delivered in a cost-effective manner, and that the 2022/2023 Budget would be used effectively to address the numerous challenges facing the municipality.
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