Lekwa officials turn a blind eye to treasury regulation
“However, autocracy prevailed as the top management turned a blind eye to government ethics,” the statement read.
Lekwa officials must account for contravening national treasury regulations. Alberto Franco, DA councillor, expressed this viewpoint in a press statement dated October 4. He sheds light on the municipality’s participation in the South African Municipal Sports and Recreation games.
“The DA will communicate with Gugu Mashiteng, head of provincial treasury, to institute disciplinary action against officials who disobeyed financial recovery policies by endorsing the municipality’s participation,” Franco said in this strongly-worded statement.
According to Franco regulations don’t beat the bush about the municipal manager’s role in affairs. Malosi Lamola has to ensure Lekwa does not finance social events, sporting events, team-building events and year-end functions.
Some of the executive members, councillors and employees may hesitated for a second but went on the excursion to Durban. The money, running into millions, includes accommodation, meals, kits and transportation.
Treasury regulations don’t beat about the bush, citing that a municipality entity may not incur expenditure on corporate-branded items as personal clothing or goods for personal use, other than uniforms, office supplies and tools of trade.
The DA said the money spent on sportswear and equipment is unacceptable. According to Franco, the party objected in caucus to this participation.
“However, autocracy prevailed as the top management turned a blind eye to government ethics,” the statement read.
The party also questioned Lekwa’s inability to clear their debts, collect revenue and pay creditors on time. According to them, the municipal liquidity position is in dire straits.
“Thabethe is quoted as saying the municipality’s salary obligations have to be met.”
The newspaper published an article in 2021 about the financial recovery plan, which is mandatory.
The adjectives used in the report of National Treasury included experienced, qualified and capable incumbents for critical positions, as well as nouns such as crisis, collapse, failures, political will and identifying the previous council as dysfunctional.
“Almost all expenses increased from 2018/2019 to 2019/2020 by 161%, due to increases in employee costs, remuneration of councillors, bulk purchases, provision for bad debts and general expenses,” the report read.
Treasury decided on a three-phased plan, beginning with a recovery, followed by stabilisation and moving towards sustainability. The accounts hall at Mbonani Mayisela Street on a Sassa payment day is usually chock-a-block with locals.
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They send residents from pillar to post – first, the enquiries cashier prints out the outstanding amount and then off to the queue for payments, hoping the card machine will work. Another hope is that Lekwa is not offline.
The newspaper’s experience testifies to the pre-paid cashier wanting cash only, but at a national retail store, one can add units to your meter on a debit card.
A beacon of light is those at Lekwa’s administration that accommodate residents wanting to settle their affairs so that the Lekwa bakkie does not make a stop at residences and turn off lights.
Franco also shared his views on a radio station the past week and said there was a lack of will to carry out the necessary.
He admitted the excursion could be a morale booster, but the concern is revenue. The statement concluded by saying the conduct of municipal officers was illogical.
“Council decisions do not supersede national legislation. Public servants should understand that they should abide by regulations, regardless of their political affiliation.”
The Standerton Advertiser sent an email to Lubabalo Majenge, communications manager at Lekwa, on October 6 for comment on the conduct of officials. We will update the readers on the feedback.
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