VEREENIGING.- The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) MMC for Administration, Rethabile Hlakane, has said that the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) proceedings regarding legal services procurement are a sign of a municipality that takes accountability seriously.

The MMC, last week, expressed his appreciation to MPAC Chairperson, Yusuf Mahommed, for his leadership in ensuring that the committee carried out its oversight responsibilities thoroughly and independently.

The public should allow the process to run its course.

MPAC is an oversight committee of Council that plays a vital role in strengthening accountability and good governance. It examines matters relating to financial management, audit findings, and municipal performance, and makes recommendations to Council to improve governance, strengthen internal controls and ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken where necessary.

Hlakane welcomed the committee’s work and urged the public to allow the process to run its course.

“I wish to thank the Chairperson of MPAC, Cllr. Yusuf Mahommed, and the committee for exercising their oversight responsibility. Strong oversight is essential to building a municipality that is accountable to its residents, and I want residents to know that this process exists precisely to protect their interests.”

He added:

“The questions raised by the committee are part of an oversight process and remain subject to verification. It is important that MPAC is allowed to complete its due diligence without parallel investigations or premature conclusions. The committee must be afforded the opportunity to establish all the facts before recommendations are made. I understand that residents want answers, and I want to assure them that those answers will come through a credible, lawful process—not through speculation.”

The MMC assured residents that matters relating to his cluster would receive the necessary attention once the committee has concluded its work.

Hlakane committed to acting swiftly on any recommendations Council adopts, and will provide residents with regular updates as the matter progresses.

Where corrective action is required, it will be implemented.

“I want to assure the people of Sedibeng that every issue raised before MPAC concerning my cluster will be followed through the proper governance and administrative processes. Where corrective action is required, it will be implemented in accordance with the law and Council’s governance framework.”

Meanwhile, the SDM said that it views the process as an opportunity to strengthen its systems and rebuild public trust.