of SECTION 139 (1) (b) of the Constitution in Pixely Ka Seme Local
Municipality
26 February 2009
The Executive Council in its meeting on 25 January 2009, has taken a
decision to endorse the assumption of responsibility by the Mpumalanga
Department of Local Government according to Section 139 and implement Section
139 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as
amended, of the Pixely Ka Seme Local Municipality. The decision by the
executive council follows numerous events of unrest in the municipality. The
unrest has been as a result of the protest organised by the community on 26
June 2008 where the community was allegedly not satisfied about water and
electricity increases.
They claimed that the hike was not proper because there was no prior
consultation conducted by the Municipality before the adjustments of the water
and electricity increase were made. There have also been allegations of
corruption and maladministration levelled against the municipality.
The above-mentioned allegations clearly indicate a series of critical
transgressions of the legislations governing local government. These
allegations have also made it clear that the municipality is not in a position
to fulfil its obligation in respect of a number of critical responsibilities.
This assumption of responsibility by the Department of Local Government will
address the following issues:
* Drafting a recovery plan which will include the implementation of the
recommendations of the investigation report
* Institutional audit, of the organisational structure of the municipality, to
ensure that they have the required expertise and that staff is correctly
placed
* Service delivery audit of current status quo to identify shortfalls and
address them
* Draft budget compilation and ensure that the necessary guidelines were
followed and that the correct process was followed by developing the Integrated
Development Plan
* Conduct an audit of the progress of the Implementation of the Municipal
property rates act and make sure that it is being done correctly.
As mandated by the Provincial Executive Council, the MEC for Local
Government and Housing, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini will appoint an
administrator. As of today, the department will assume full responsibility of
the municipality. The administrator and his team will begin their work
immediately. The department would like to request all stakeholders to fully
support the administrator and his team.
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
26 February 2009
