The team of experts dispatched to the Lekwa local municipality by the department have started working in the municipality. Mr Jabu Sindane has been appointed as an acting Municipal Manager whilst Mr Gordrich Gardee has been seconded as the acting Chief Financial Officer. A team of financial experts have also been sent to the municipality to provide support in the finance section. As an immediate matter the department has also appointed an investigator to investigate an amount of R30 million that allegedly went missing in the municipality.
The finance team has immediately began by reviewing the billing system of the municipality with a view of determining if there have been irregularities in billing of consumers as raised by the community. If indeed it is found that there have been some irregularities, those that were wrongly billed will be credited. They are also reviewing the indigent register of the municipality, with a view of making sure that all people who qualify are registered and benefit from the indigent policy. The team is also reviewing the financial viability of the municipality.
The acting municipal manager has begun a process of implementing the recommendations of the report that was conducted in the municipality terms of section 106(1) (b) of the Local Government Systems Act. All officials implicated in the report will face disciplinary hearings and monies will be recovered from those who have received irregular payments. The municipality will also black list all those contractors who have failed to meet their contractual obligations.
The department would like to once again like to condemn the acts of unwarranted violence, malicious destruction of property, disrespect of the rule of law by certain resident of Sakhile in the Lekwa municipality over the past few days. We call upon members of the public to report unruly elements who promote acts of violence and destruction of property to the police. We also appreciate the role that has been played by the security forces in marinating peace and order in the area.
The department reiterates its commitment to dealing with issues that have been raised by the communities. We will engage in dialogue and work with communities to deal with issues.
Contact Person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
29 September 2009
