MKHONDO – The office of the Public Protector will investigate the Mkhondo Local Municipality Mayor, Mthokozisi Simelane, over the unauthorised “meeting” he proposed in Durban on the same weekend of the Durban July.

It was claimed that it was a strategic planning workshop that, from the mayor’s viewpoint, could not be held locally due to safety concerns and the lack of other locations available at the time of enquiry.

The meeting cost taxpayers thousands of rands.

Clr Irene Brussow, DA Caucus Leader in Mkhondo Local Municipality, said the DA welcomes the commitment by the Office of the Public Protector to investigate the mayor.

According to Brussow, the Office of the Public Protector confirmed in a letter that they will investigate the municipality.

“We will be submitting further evidence over the wasteful expenditure,” she stated.

The municipality spent R200 000 transporting 66 people to Durban from Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief) to attend the workshop.

They also spent a further R670 500 on accommodation.

The mayor refutes the claims. He and some of the council members insist the money was used on the strategic planning workshop.

Read the complete article in the Highvelder.