Damning forensic report for Ugu

A team of officials from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) National Portfolio Committee was assigned to table forensic reports before Ugu and Msunduzi Municipality councils.

The forensic investigation pertains to allegations of fraud, corruption, maladministration and statutory non-compliance at both municipalities in terms of Section 106(1)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act.

Both reports reveal damning findings of fraud, corruption and maladministration as well as irregular, unauthorised and fruitless expenditure involving both former and current officials.

According to the department, the Ugu report made a number of findings against senior officials within the municipality regarding their failure to follow Supply Chain Management policies in the awarding of tenders and failure to fulfil functions in relation to the performance of municipal bid committees.

These actions consequently contributed to the irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality.

Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the reports for both municipalities recommended that disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings be initiated against those implicated.

“These forensic reports are proof of our department’s commitment to good and clean governance. As government, we are committed to ensuring that our municipalities spend each and every rand on the real needs of our communities.

“We are fighting maladministration, fraud and corruption in municipalities wherever and whenever these occur. All reported allegations are duly investigated without fear or favour,” he said.

The councils have now been given 21 days in which to table the report before full council, deal with specific details contained in the report and thereafter report to the MEC on the remedial actions.

“The department conducts a multitude of investigations simultaneously and reports on the progress of all ongoing investigations to the Provincial Legislature on a regular basis,” said the MEC.

Portfolio Committee chairman Faith Muthambi said regarding investigations according to section 106 of the municipal systems act, the committee had acknowledged the impediment caused by lack of an enforcement tool given to the MEC after an investigation is concluded.

“The committee has committed to engaging with Cogta at national level to consider amendments to the act to empower the MEC to enforce the recommended remedial actions after investigations are completed.”

She also called for decisive action against those implicated in wrongdoing.

A meeting between the Portfolio Committee, ratepayers’ associations and community members was scheduled to take place at the Port Shepstone Civic Centre yesterday (Wednesday) at 5pm.

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