SECUNDA – The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) sent a letter to Govan Mbeki Municipality’s municipal manager, Mr Thisha Mhlanga.
In the letter, Outa asked questions about items on the budget such as the budget for vehicles to the value of R1.6 million for the mayor and the speaker.
Outa also questioned the municipality’s budget for R7 million set aside for two-way radios and infrastructure.
“By removing expensive vehicles from its budget, Outa believes, Govan Mbeki Municipality will be in a better position to address its financial troubles,” said Mr Michael Holenstein, Outa’s manager of the Secunda area.
“These are some of the simple solutions to create the funding needed to clear its debt with Eskom and Rand Water.”
Outa also requested clarity over R8 million that was allocated for the loss of assets at the eMbalenhle office.
“We uncovered that Govan Mbeki’s budget allows for a deficit which is in contravention of the municipal finance management act, known as the MFMA.
“According to the MFMA, a municipality’s budget must be cashed-back.”
Govan Mbeki Municipality had time until 2pm on Friday, 20 April to respond to Outa’s letter.
Also read: Outa plans to hold municipal officials responsible for maladministration
The municipality however, failed to respond and Outa will now take further steps.
“This was a good opportunity for the newly appointed municipal management team to turn things around in the municipality as it is evident that the municipality is in a downward spiral.
“The new officials should investigate the whereabouts of the municipal assets and turn things around to the benefit of the people of the Govan Mbeki municipal area,” said Mr Holenstein.
Outa recently set up a branch in the Govan Mbeki municipal area to address maladministration and corruption in the local government.
“The Outa local government branches operate independently and are not aligned or affiliated to any political party,” said Mr Holenstein.
“The branches in Secunda and surrounding areas are supported and funded by the community, local businesses and other donor institutions to conduct the work of investigations, research, communication and litigation to ensure accountability in the affairs of Govan Mbeki Municipality.”
