Media briefing leaves more questions than answers

LYDENBURG – Media representatives were recently left with more questions than answers during a recent media briefing at Thaba Chweu Municipality.

The aim of the briefing was to shed light on several issues with regard to the current financial crisis of the municipality and the apparent turnaround strategy.

According to the invitation, the task team led by the acting municipal manager, Mr Tumelo Ratau, was scheduled to give an extensive report on the state of the municipality’s affairs and also allow interaction with media representatives. The invite also stated that the Eskom issue would be clarified during the briefing.

The media was greeted by only Ratau and the executive mayor, Mr Michael Ncongwane, as none of the other task team representatives were present.

Ncongwane said there had been a lot of enquiries, especially into the Eskom account and the possible disconnection of electricity supply to the whole of TCM. “We decided to call this media briefing, so that we can try and clarify the issues. In short, in terms of Eskom closing us down as we were in constant discussion with them, seeing that we couldn’t agree, the debt escalated each time because of the interest on the account to go higher and higher (sic).”

He said TCM had no choice but to approach the province for assistance. “Province listened to our plea and in the process identified that it was not only the Eskom debt that was a problem, but the whole management of funds and administration as such. Thus a team of experts were sent by province to assist TCM in different aspects such as financial and technical.”

Ratau said the provincial government under the leadership of the premier could not allow this municipality to collapse completely. “The key focus areas for us are to make sure that the future of the municipality is sustainable. After several discussions it was decided that the disconnection will not take place pending the recovery plan.”

He explained that several businesses and residents owed TCM around R34 million. “We have also saved over a million rand by ending a security contract.”

This contract was said to be the one the newspaper had reported on previously where several councillors were being “guarded” at their homes.

“In closing we are here to make sure that the future of the municipality is stable.”

Journalists then had the opportunity to ask questions relating to Eskom and the turnaround strategy. Representatives asked where things went pear shaped with regard to the debt owed to Eskom and where the money went to. Questions regarding the acting chief financial officer’s (CFO) resignation a mere three weeks ago was also asked and why there action had not been taken to address the escalating Eskom account.

Ncongwane said it was true that the absence of a CFO posed a problem to council as it was a critical position that needed to be filled.

When questions regarding the CFO’s position and why a suitable candidate could not be found during the two-year period were asked, they were wavered and brushed off as not being part of the media briefing. When asked for how long TCM had been in debt with Eskom, Ncongwane said they could not provide an accurate date for the backlog.

Questioned what the exact amount owed to Eskom up to date was, Ncongwane responded with a question of his own.“What have you been reporting?” Citing that information received put it on 146 million, he said, “OK, let’s leave it at that”.

Reporters were shocked at the answer and insisted to be informed of the correct amount to which Ncongwane said; “As you say R146 million, I’ll agree to that as it is escalating every day because of the interest.”

At that moment Ncongwane got up hastily left the office. Ratau was left to save the day and said that the media would be kept up to date on progress made.