I have invited you to this media briefing today to give you an update on the department’s intervention programme in Municipalities. You will recall that in her State of the Province Address for 2011/12, the Honourable Premier of the North West Province, Thandi Modise, likened corruption and maladministration in some of our municipalities as a cancer that can spread and eat the society if not dealt with immediately.
The Honourable Premier also committed the provincial government to improving the living conditions of our people by changing the manner in which we run the affairs of the municipalities. As the Executive Authority responsible for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, I have committed the department to creating a sustainable, effective and efficient local government system.
Despite our efforts as a department that has a legislative mandate to support and monitor the performance of municipalities, all efforts are being disregarded but we cannot allow the situation to continue. It is high time that all this flawed practices be put to a halt and we are going to be hard on municipalities even if it means getting rid of the rot. If we want to achieve our objective on the Operation Clean Audit 2014 then definitely a total new approach in doing things is what we need and it begins now.
To enforce this commitment, I have commissioned an investigation into a number of municipalities because they have either been flouting the prescripts of legislation that are applicable in local government such as the Municipal Systems Act, Municipal Structures Act and most importantly, the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA).
I am certain that some of you will recall that in Ratlou local municipalities, immediately after taking office after the municipal election, the new council suspended the Municipal Manager and appointed an acting Municipal Manager, decided to ignore my advice to all municipalities not to appoint, suspend, dismiss or re-instating officials.
On the issues of the filling of 15 new senior managers posts, the municipalities was advised to immediately put the process of filling those positions on hold until such time that the MEC has further engaged with the municipalities on the matter. Failure to adhere to this, means the Mayor and the entire team would be held personally liable in terms of Section 32 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) (Section 32 of the MFMA: Unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure).
I have noted with serious concern, the reluctancy of the municipalities to co – operate with the team assigned to follow up on allegations of the irregularities. I therefore issued an ultimatum to the municipalities to provide required information within seven days failing of which should face the consequences. I am expecting to make a pronouncement on matters raised within 14 days to special council sitting.
In Taung, members of South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) have levelled serious allegations against the Acting Municipal Manager we view this allegations in a serious light. An investigation has been commissioned into the matter and a preliminary report will be tabled within 14 days to a special council sitting.
In Naledi local municipalities, I have noted that council is highly destabilised and operating without a strategic plan. I have further come to a determination that council failed to act within the prescripts of the law, thus resulting in the Budget being approved without council forming quorum.
It is very regrettable to note that some councilors prefer to prioritise their personal preferences than those of the public, where they choose which council sitting they must attend and which once they must not attend, based on personal preferences. I have since issued a directive to council to comply with the regulation. The municipalities also has 30 working days to draft their strategic plan for submission to my office.
In Madibeng, even after the municipalities have been put under Section 139 (b) intervention, and when EXCO have just adopted the close - up report for presentation to council.
It is with regret that the municipalities have resulted into a worse situation. This includes cover up and total disregard of reported cases of fraudulent, irregular and maladministration. In an attempt to assist with the re - dressing of the situation, the department has been met with bad attitude and resistance.
The department has been left with no other option but to review the role of the municipalities. There is currently internal processes unfolding and the outcome of these processes will be communicated in due course once all consultations with all stakeholders and affected parties have been completed. This will be done in the interest of service delivery.
In Rustenburg Local Municipality (LM), the municipalities found itself in a compromised position of intending to appoint a Municipal Manager who did not compete with anyone after all short listed candidates withdrew from the interviews. Such actions is irregular as it compromises good governance and put the municipalities in a high risk, especially considering the history of all term of contracts of previous Municipal Managers who could not complete their term for varying reasons.
The department has further learnt that the process for the establishment of additional posts to the structure was flawed and the municipalities have since been advised not to proceed with the filling of such positions until such time that the necessary processes have been adhered to. After the Director, Corporate Services was suspended the municipalities recruited a person from outside directly into the position of Director in an acting capacity. This is totally irregular; the municipalities have since been instructed to terminate the contract with immediate effect.
The council of Maquassi hills local municipalities has failed to provide leadership and the administration has also been flouting administration practices. I will be addressing the whole council on all issues of concern and council will be given one month to rectify.
In Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, I have instructed them to fast-track their recruitment process and fill in critical positions within seven working days. Emphasis has been made that personal preferences should be discouraged ahead of service delivery to deserving communities; failure by municipality will leave the department with no option but to intervene.
It cannot be correct that an individual choose to hold council at ransom on the advertising of positions when the municipality has been without incumbents on critical posts for more than a year.
I finally, wish to emphasise that these negative reports by Auditor General should belong to the past and any Municipality failing to adhere to good governance principles will face the consequences.
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
Province
