MISSING MILLIONS

LYDENBURG – No money to pay Eskom? No problem! It would seem that a special report has now surfaced apparently stating that Thaba Chweu has spent more than R51 million irregularly in the 2012/2013 financial year.

This was alleged right after Eskom served TCM with a notice for the disconnection of bulk electricity supplies.

The Steelburger/Lydenburg News is in possession of a special report that was discussed by the Finance Portfolio Committee on September 5. According to it the municipality has apparently irregularly spent more than R57 million and incurred fruitless expenditure to the tune of R1,58 billion in the same period.

According to our source, who is working at TCM and who is close to the Mashishing Civic Coalition, this matter will be discussed with the MEC for cooperation, governance and traditional affairs, at a meeting scheduled for sometime next week.

“ We cannot, as residents sit back and watch people looting our resources. Our parents are working hard for their money, while others have opened a new economy of corruption and fraud. We will engage the relevant law-enforcement agencies and the government to get to the bottom of this malpractice,” our source, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the newspaper.

In another development it has been reliably informed that the acting municipal manger, Mr Surprise Maebela, was ordered by the provincial government to vacate the position of municipal manager.

Speaking on behalf of the local Samwu branch, Mr Gustav Nkuna pointed out that they had long being calling for Maebela to vacate the position, due to his incompetence.

“ We have received the news with a great sense of joy and we look forward to the appointment of a competent and skilful candidate who can help to steer this sinking ship back to effectiveness,” he added.

Steelburger/Lydenburg News contacted Cllr Christina Masilele of the finance department and a member of the ANC region for comment. She told the journalist to call her the following morning. When the urgency of the matter was explained and she was asked to comment, she apparently lost the signal and put the phone down.

TCM did, however, respond to the allegations and said, “As the municipality we are unable to confirm these figures as this matter still needs to go to the special council tomorrow (Thursday). Then we will be able to provide the correct information. The acting municipal manager is not aware of the order. He is acting until informed otherwise by the council,” said the municipality.