The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have alleged that mismanagement and unqualified staff have resulted in Msukaligwa Municipality yet again failing the Auditor-General’s (AG) test.
The parties were responding to the AG’s latest findings in which the municipality received a “disclaimer of opinion”.
According to the DA, the municipality has failed to appoint properly qualified staff, especially in the position of Chief Financial Officer, vacant since August 2014.
The DA says the disclaimer is a huge disappointment, irrespective of the fact that they warned Council of the shortfalls in the previous report.
When asked how they would remedy the situation, the DA said they would appoint qualified staff in key positions, provide them with guidance and leadership and implement strict disciplinary action against individuals and departments who intentionally fail to adhere to the necessary requirements.
The IFP also did not mince words in expressing their dissatisfaction.
They attributed the disclaimer to weak political leadership, incompetent officials and a complete disregard for the people of Msukaligwa Municipality.
The IFP also expressed their disgust at how the Premier of Mpumalanga failed to take decisive action and impose strict measures even after he summoned municipal managers and mayors of five municipalities including Msukaligwa to a special meeting at which they were asked to explain why their services should not be terminated after receiving disclaimers from the AG.
“The Premier warned that should those municipalities receive another unsatisfactory audit, they should resign, but nothing has come of it,”said Mr Blessed Gwala.
The IFP said they would do away with cadre deployment and appoint people who could manage public funds in accordance with financial requirements and legislation.
The party also regards service delivery protests as a response to weak leadership
The AG found, among others, that assets amounting to R15 615 681 could not be physically verified, he could not obtain appropriate audit evidence for expenditure amounting to R34 570 098 and irregular expenditure of R41 358 653 could not be accounted for or sufficient evidence could not be provided.
Municipal spokesman Mr Mandla Zwane said council referred the draft annual report, which includes the AG report, to Municipal Public Account Committee for oversight.
A report should be submitted to council not later than two months from the date of the council sitting on 28 January.
The Draft Annual Report is available for inspection and comment by consumers on the municipal website www.msukaligwa.gov.za as well as at various municipal offices and libraries in the municipality.
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