MOKOPANE – The Mogalakwena mayor’s coffers have run dry with many service providers still awaiting payment for services rendered.
This was confirmed by DA councillor, Beyers Smit, who said some R1,2 million of the mayor’s budget had been squandered on a so-called outreach programme that turned into an ANC campaign for votes.
Recently reinstated municipal manager, William Kekana, said service providers were reluctant to query outstanding payments in light of the fact that there was an ongoing investigation into the violation of several rules and regulations as prescribed in the Municipal Finance Management Act, which included overcharging for services by service providers.
CV was informed by several people close to the matter, including one of the service providers, that at least 15 service providers have abandoned their claims, amounting to a total of almost R1 million. Documentation in CV’s possession shows payments for various invoices for catering totalling just over R700 000 were approved for payment by the office of the mayor in Kekana’s absence.
In light of this, there seems to be truth to allegations that Kekana’s illegal suspension due to an error in his employment contract, was a way for the mayor, Thlalifi Mashamaite, to get Kekana out of the way so that spending could go ahead.
According to Smit, the differences between Kekana and Mashamaite had nothing to do with the employment contract. He said the animosity was about money being spent irresponsibly and Kekana attempting to prevent this expenditure, which Mashamaite was apparently not happy with.
Previously Mashamaite said it was not true that his budget had been depleted. However, at the time he indicated that he was not prepared to comment any further on the matter, indicating that this was what the municipal spokesperson was there for.
Several councillors, who wished to remain anonymous, alleged that Mashamaite was being protected by the ANC provincial task team (PTT).
Speaking on behalf of the PTT, Sello Lediga vehemently denied these allegations. He said he wished to distance the PTT from the administration fiasco at the municipality and added that it would be unconstitutional to talk about the matter at all.
He did confirm, however, that the council was indeed divided at the moment.
Smit said he trusted that the ongoing forensic investigation would “expose these inconsiderate people who do not care for our people”.
Municipal spokesperson, Malesela Selokela, said he could not comment on the matter as the matter was under investigation.
Ironically, Mashamaite and Kekana were expected to cease fire yesterday (Tuesday) in order to lead the council and senior management in a celebration of receiving an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General (AG).
This is the best audit opinion that can be given.
An unqualified audit opinion is given when the AG concludes that the financial statements give a true view in accordance with the financial reporting framework used for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements.
