Is the municipality fit to govern? A full audit may have the answer soon
The outcome of a recent forensic audit, sparked by the Gatvol protest, could determine whether the current municipality is fit to continue leading, as residents demand answers and accountability.
Contract lawyer and resident André Pretorius, who recently received Executive Mayor William Matsheke’s answers to residents’ demands following the recent Gatvol protest, is currently conducting the second phase of auditing.
However, he emphasised that it will take time to inspect all the reports.
Pretorius was tasked with leading an auditing team following the protest, which took place in late February, where residents gave a set of demands to Matsheke. These demands included that the municipality hand over financial reports, which Pretorius received to audit. He confirmed that audit work on the financial statements was completed, and the forensic audit working papers were compiled and completed. Currently, Pretorius and his team are reviewing and assessing the Auditor-General’s audit files.
After Pretorius and his team completed this step, a final summons will be served to disclose any supplementary information detected during the forensic audit, including the disclosure of contracts with suppliers.
• Also read: Gatvol protest: ‘We are gatvol for everything’
Thereafter, a Forensic Audit Report will be compiled. The Gauteng South High Court will be approached to plead for a court application. The legal papers will then be heard in a court of law. Pretorius stated residents will be kept updated during the process.
Although the process is in its second phase, Pretorius noted it will not happen as quickly since he cannot rush the steps.
“The letter of the lawbook needs to be followed to achieve the success we are seeking. The information discovered can only be divulged in a court of law. Once it has been disclosed in court, then the information can be made public,” he explained.
Pretorius stated that the main reason for this audit is to analyse the amount of tax money spent by the municipality. He further explained that there are two types of funds, which include grant money from the government and the taxpayers’ money.
“We will be looking at how the municipality uses this income, which is supposed to be an inexhaustible source. We want to keep the municipality liable. It is the community’s tax money, and therefore, they have every right to know what it is being used for.”
He added that the answer to the result will determine whether the current municipality is competent to continue.
Pretorius and various other stakeholders will re-establish the Randfontein Municipal Rate Payers Association (Ramra) to help restore the town to its former glory. This is according to Pretorius, who mentioned that this NPO will make use of funds to improve service delivery in Randfontein. Further information about Ramra will be given once Pretorius has registered the NPO.
