As a councillor at Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality (former Estcourt), I have for the past five months been trying to get information from the Municipal Manager (MM) about various matters relating to what I consider to be wasteful expenditure. I have not received one shred of information.The current MM has on three occasions postponed meetings.
1. On July 29, 2016 an Executive Committee (Exco) meeting approved the expenditure of R650 000 on a ‘State of the Municipality’ community meeting to be held on July 31, 2016. It is alleged that a mere 30 people attended. On August 1, 2016 a Special Council Meeting was called to approve the expenditure. My question was how much was actually paid to suppliers for what was a patently failed meeting?
2. Shortly after the new municipal council took office, a ‘strategic planning session’ lasting two days was announced. The function was held at a Drakensberg resort called Alpine Heath. The event cost an alleged R250 000. About a month ago, a second session was held but this time for three days. Cost, an alleged R600 000+. Reason being that there were more bodyguards than councillors. This municipality has 46 councillors.
3. All of a sudden this area is more dangerous than Beirut. All councillors had suddenly received threats and desperately needed protection. The appointment of bodyguards was approved by the province. Not all councillors made use of the offer but some facts did surface. The Mayor has six, Deputy Mayor three, Speaker three, Chief Whip three and the Chairman of MPAC two. There is talk that there are just less than 90 bodyguards. My questions were how many bodyguards are employed, what the total cost of the small army is and where the funds come from? For a fact I know that the Democratic Alliance councillors do not have guards, as we considered it wasteful expenditure.
Moreover every bodyguard should be armed. The array of weaponry is amazing, ranging from shotguns to revolvers, pistols and even R5 assault rifles. The municipality must provide the weapons or the private employer of the guards should do so. Should the guards be using their own private arms, they will face severe charges should they use their private arms in the protection of someone else. On the other hand, I have been told, if they attended a course, they may use their private arms. My question is, did they all attend and pass such courses?
4. It was brought to my attention that one particular bank has on hand blank Proof of Residence forms, signed by councillors, which they can fill in when a client needs such proof. As businesses and various other bodies, such as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), rely on councillors to provide truthful documentation when conducting business, such a practice is clearly illegal. The African National Congress (ANC) caucus decided unilaterally to deny other councillors, other than Ward Councillors, the facility to issue Proof of Residence forms. No coherent reason was given.
5. A provincial law was passed in 2006 compelling municipalities to provide a pound for animals. The previous council approved the purchase of an operating pound for R1.3 million and instructed the municipality to find the funds. To date the municipal officials have not complied with a council resolution and no one has any idea why the deal was not completed. In the meantime private individuals are funding an animal shelter, largely from their own pockets because the municipality cannot or will not comply.
6. Other matters relate to construction work not being completed, flooding of Mrs Meyers house in Dovetree Avenue, businesses being conducted on residential property, accounts not being paid in 30 days as required by law and roads breaking up all over the municipality.
7. I have been informed that the municipality has way too many firemen. My question is, how many do we need? As it is there are numerous people on the payroll that have jobs but no work to do.
LeRoy Gericke
Democratic Alliance Councillor
No response was received from Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality at the time of going to print.
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