TCM denies allegations of missing funds
The issue that we are taking on is the fact that R1,2 m can go missing from an account. I also noted the lack of internal controls, which is emphasised by the Auditor General’s report, leaves doors wide open to corruption. The fact that the municipality reacts in this manner, only makes one wonder.
LYDENBURG – Thaba Chweu Municipality recently issued a press statement regarding R1,2 million that apparently went missing.
TCM denied the allegation that the money had been unaccounted for, “The municipality has noted with great concern the statement released by DA Cllr Nicko Janse van Vuuren in Steelburger/Lydenburg News, in which he alleges that R1,2 million has gone missing from the account of the municipality.”
According to Jansen van Vuuren he was informed of the missing money by a reliable source within TCM. “If you have the Auditor General’s report that says this governing body has R75 million in unauthorised expenditure, R42 in irregular expenditure and R20 million that cannot be traced, it is not surprising at all that R1,2 million can go missing. This is testimony to the fact that there is no internal control of any note within the municipality.”
He said the fact that TCM had had numerous MMs and mayors over the years, also attests to a severe lack of institutional memory and creates many open doors for corruption.
“As long as the internal controls are not seriously overhauled and given some serious teeth, and as long as there is no continuity in leadership these kinds of situations will continue to haunt this municipality. Although I have no doubt that there are administrators who are willing to turn the situation around, they are part of a system that is corrupt, from provincial to municipal level, and as long as you do not overhaul the whole system, I do not see how this kind of incident can be stopped.”
TCM said in the statement that it wished to place it on record the fact that the allegations were unfounded and mischievous. “According to the records and information at our disposal, there is no municipal money missing. We wish to challenge the honourable councillor to provide the public with detailed information about this allegation that it is levelling against the municipality so that we can act against the culprits.
“The municipality is surprised that Cllr Janse van Vuuren would rush to the media without first establishing the facts. As a member of this council, we expected him at least to utilise internal processes to ascertain and verify the authenticity of the information that he has received from the whistleblower.
TCM said that Janse van Vuuren had access to all information including financial information within the municipality. “He had all the tools to help him establish the facts instead of embarrassing himself with untested information in the media.
“What must be noted is that, as a municipality, we stand for anti-corruption. We have committed ourselves to deal with any form of corruption where it rears its ugly head.
“We therefore challenge Cllr Janse van Vuuren to provide evidence of these allegations and the municipality will act swiftly to deal with whoever might be involved.”
The governing body said with regard to issues raised by the AG in the last financial year, the institution acknowledges these challenges and would like to put it on record that 90% of the issues were dealt with and controls and systems are now in place and the municipality is now confident that it is on a recovery path.
“It must be emphasized that the issues which are raised by Janse van Vuuren fall within the two past financial-year periods and are not new. He must appreciate the progress that his own institution has made.”
In reaction to this media statement, Cllr Janse Van Vuuren said, “Firstly, it must be made clear that I did not issue any statement, but only commented on the issue after I was approached by the newspaper. I went to establish whether there was any truth in it and the allegations were confirmed by two very reliable sources within the municipality. I thus do not feel the need o change any of my comments at all.”
“The issue that we are taking on is the fact that R1,2 m can go missing from an account. I also noted the lack of internal controls, which is emphasised by the Auditor General’s report, leaves doors wide open to corruption. The fact that the municipality reacts in this manner, only makes one wonder,” he said.
