The IFP has ordered KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube to release the long-awaited investigative report into the R35-million alleged irregular expenditure incurred by the former Ezinqoleni Municipality.
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IFP provincial spokesman Phumzile Buthelezi said investigations into the former municipality’s finances were taking too long and questioned the motives behind the delay.
According to MPL Buthelezi the report needed to be released because a number of construction projects – including the construction of a community hall, an access road and a sports field – had allegedly been approved and paid for, but did not exist.
The IFP demanded that action be taken against any officials who may have defrauded the municipality.
“There can be no further delays in this matter. Even Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) councillors have aired their frustrations with the delays after Cogta officials did not show up to present the findings at a recent council meeting as previously promised.”
The IFP added that the MEC had a duty to operate with ‘the highest ethical standards’, and with the levels of transparency, accountability and good governance expected from the custodian of all municipalities in the province.
“This report must be released as it is in the public interest. These delaying tactics prove once again that the ANC will stop at nothing to protect their cadres and top leaders who might be implicated in the act of corruption,” MPL Buthelezi said.
Investigations into the Ezinqoleni Municipality’s finances were first initiated in August 2017 following reports that RNM had lost R35-million to irregular expenditure during the merger of the then Ezinqoleni and Hibiscus Coast Municipalities.
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