UMDONI ratepayers are fuming over the R800 000 allocated for the mayor’s new vehicle in the 2019/2020 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget.
An additional sum of R785 000 has been set aside for the purchase of laptops and computers, and a further R15 000 for air-conditioners and printers for the mayor and deputy mayor.
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However, eyebrows have been raised in higher circles, with the Zondo Commission – charged with investigating State Capture – now setting its sights on Umdoni Municipality, resulting in piqued interest from Umdoni residents and the media.
Reports of irregular expenditure and alleged corruption at the municipality have appeared in the media for years and now it seems the Commission will be taking a closer look at the period between 2008 and 2018.
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News of the investigation by the Commission was shared as an in-committee item during the June 12 special council meeting.
While the exact focus of the investigation is unknown at this stage, speculation is rife.
Officials however remain tight-lipped, leaving both the media and the public guessing at what the Commission could be looking into.
Umdoni Municipality’s communications officer, Sphelele Cele responded to the Mail’s inquiry, saying, “The municipality confirms receipt of correspondence from the Commission which stated an investigation will be done on the municipality. No further details with regards to this matter were given to the municipality.”
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