SEDIBENG. – “The R852m that the Emfuleni Local Municipality 9ELM) mayor claims to be in Emfuleni’s bank account is not in good, capable and trusted hands.”

So said ActionSA’ s Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) Mayoral candidate, Reverend Bongani Dhlamini.

Dhlamini is saying this after ELM recently announced it is in a strong financial position with a cash balance of R852m and enough working capital to pay its short-term bills.

The municipality further announced that disciplined spending, careful cash planning, and a massive R1.97b Eskom debt write-off approved by the National Treasury in July have driven these improvements.

ELM spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, further announced that the council has finalised plans to pay Rand Water R407m.

Dhlamini said ELM is capable of making funds disappear into individual pockets.

“The ruling party is so desperate to keep itself in governance at Emfuleni; therefore, it will use these funds for election campaigns and buying votes through groceries, shirts, etc. We appreciate that they disclosed the availability of this amount; we will follow up whether these funds are directed to where they are supposed to be. Failing to do that…die poppe sal dans.”

Dhlamini concluded that ActionSA will be watching like hawks.