AfriForum demands answers from the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) about its municipal councillors’ debt.
The municipality owes Eskom almost R5b, Rand Water close to R1b and companies it buys materials from R138m.
Jan du Plessis, the AfriForum chairperson in Secunda, delivered a memorandum to the GMM for municipal manager Elliot Maseko’s attention.
In the memorandum, AfriForum says it wants a detailed plan of action from the municipality about what they will do about the municipal councillors’ R384 525 outstanding debt.
The memorandum further reads: “Our research into the municipality’s quarterly reports revealed that 19 councillors have accounts in arrears with the municipality. Some councillors owe amounts exceeding R40 000, with one owing R96 224.
“Given the substantial nature of these arrears and their implications for municipal finances, we respectfully request clarification.”
AfriForum wants to know what action has been taken thus far to recover the outstanding amounts from these councillors and what steps the municipality plans to take to ensure the recovery of this debt.
Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s district co-ordinator for the Highveld, said in the memorandum that AfriForum is particularly concerned about the discrepancy in how debt is managed between residents and municipal officials.
“How can the municipality implement debt recovery measures against residents and not against councillors?” asked Bekker.
“It is shocking and concerning that debts of such substantial amounts from municipal councillors have been allowed to escalate without effective intervention.
“This disparity raises questions about the consistency and fairness of the municipality’s debt recovery practices.
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“It is essential for the municipality to demonstrate that it applies the same level of accountability to all individuals, regardless of their position.
“The perception of unequal treatment undermines public trust and calls into question the integrity of municipal financial management.”
Bekker quoted the Municipal Finance Management Act, which mandates municipalities to take reasonable steps to collect outstanding debts and enforce payment.
The municipality must uphold this provision by rigorously pursuing recovery efforts and ensuring all the necessary actions are taken to address the debt in question.
Section 32 requires municipalities to implement the necessary actions to recover debts and properly manage financial resources.
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The municipality must demonstrate full compliance with these requirements and ensure effective measures are in place to collect and manage the outstanding amount.
The memorandum also said the Municipal Systems Act outlines municipal officials’ responsibilities, emphasising adherence to municipal policies and ethical standards.
The municipality must enforce these responsibilities and hold the councillors accountable to ensure their actions align with the ethical and financial expectations set forth.
According to Section 68, municipal operations must be accountable and transparent. The municipality must uphold these standards by implementing strict measures to maintain integrity and public trust in handling the councillors’ financial obligations.
According to the Code of Conduct for Municipal Councillors, a high standard of ethical behaviour is expected from municipal councillors, including integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of their roles.
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The Code for Financial Management and Accountability requires councillors to manage their personal and financial affairs in a manner that upholds public trust.
Specifically, councillors must ensure they do not allow their financial obligations to undermine their ability to perform their duties or the integrity of the municipality.
The code emphasises that any failure to meet financial commitments could constitute a breach of these standards.
The Consequences of Breach Code outlines that breaches of its provisions can result in disciplinary actions, including censure, suspension or even removal from office.
The memorandum further stated: “It is imperative the municipality applies these measures effectively to uphold the ethical standards expected of its councillors.
“Ensuring transparency and adherence to these legislative and ethical guidelines is crucial for maintaining public trust and effective governance.
“The municipality must address this issue with the same commitment to recovery and accountability as is expected from its residents.
“We urge the municipality to provide a comprehensive update on the recovery plan for the councillors’ debts and the measures being taken to address any inconsistencies in debt management practices, ensuring full compliance with the Code of Conduct and other relevant legislation.”
The Ridge Times asked the two spokespersons of the GMM for comment and will publish their responses in the next issue.
