15 June 2007
The North West MEC for Developmental Local Government and Housing, Howard
Yawa has appealed to communities in the jurisdiction of Maquassi Local
Municipality to exercise restrain while the final report on investigation into
runs its full consideration cycle.
MEC Yawa was addressing briefing meetings with councillors and
representatives of concerned groups from Leeudoringstad, Lebaleng and
Tswelelang on Thursday. The meeting was convened following a spate of violence
that resulted in the torching of satellite council offices in Lebaleng and
Tswelelang and stoning and looting of local businesses and homes of two
councillors.
The former MEC for the Department had appointed an independent commission to
lead statutory investigations after allegations of corruption were levelled
against the municipality.
Yawa explained that although the investigation has been completed, the
report has to be tabled to the Provincial Executive Council and be forwarded to
the Minster for Provincial and Local Government and the National Council of
Provinces (NCOP) for comments before it can be presented to the council and the
community. "We expect to complete the process in two weeks' time .I, therefore,
wish to appeal to the community to exercise restrain as the process is
obligatory and not discretionary in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal
Structures Act. Addressing concerns of the community and restoring the
integrity of the council is our immediate priority," said Yawa.
MEC Yawa in response to concerns raised as to interim measures to ensure
that the council met its administrative obligations with specific reference to
budget processes, assured the concerned groups that his Department will
continue to monitor and support the municipality to ensure that provision of
services does not collapse.
MEC Yawa is to brief the community on the process on Thursday next week.
For further information contact:
Lesiba Kgwele
Departmental spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Issued by: Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing, North
West Provincial Government
15 June 2007
