NELSPRUIT – Mbombela Local Council last week voted in favour of waiting for the investigation into the municipality to be completed, before answering questions posed by the official opposition.
The question, submitted by the DA in August, was to be addressed on Thursday during the fourth ordinary council meeting. However, since the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) announced on September 16 that it would investigate allegations of fraud, corruption, financial malpractice and governance in the municipality, council voted to wait until the finalisation before commenting on the matter.
The Orange Afcon tournament was co-hosted by the municipality at Mbombela Stadium in January and February. No financial report on the tournament has been made available to councillors to date.
The MEC for Cogta, Mr Simon Skhosana, announced the investigation during a special council meeting on September 13. His office confirmed last week that Msikinya Attorneys & Associates have been appointed to conduct it.
According to Mr Simphiwe Kunene, spokesman for the department, a legal firm is being used because the matter stretches beyond mere money matters. “We are not only investigating municipal finances, but also issues of governance,” he said. “It is important to note that the team we appointed has vast experience, which is not only limited to matters of law. They have also conducted similar investigations in other municipalities.”
On the Johannesburg-based law firm’s website, its lists its areas of speciality as corporate law, commercial drafting, employment law, legal opinions, insurance law and debt collection.
Msikinya Attorneys & Associates comprises Mr Linda Msikinya, the founding member of the firm with a BProc Degree, Mr Collen Matchitse, a senior associate with an LLB Degree, Mr Tumisang Katake, who holds a BProc Degree and is currently studying for LLB, Mr Lehlohonolo Adonisi, a senior associate, and Ms Tina Godlo is a candidate attorney. Kunene said allegations of financial and supply chain-management irregularities and governance-related issues are being investigated. “Our assessment of the situation indicates that 21 days will be sufficient,” he said. “If there is a need to review the situation, we will do so thereafter.”
