VANDERBIJLPARK – The DA says the resignation of an independent member of Emfuleni Local Municipality’s audit and performance audit committees has renewed concerns about governance, compliance and accountability within the municipality.

In a media statement, the DA referred to the resignation of Desiree Nage, who served on the municipality’s independent audit and performance audit committees.

According to the DA, Nage concluded her resignation letter by stating: “I can’t with good conscience continue exposing myself to the risk of non-conformance, non-compliance and mental health.”

The party said it has repeatedly raised concerns during council sittings about what it describes as the absence of good governance at Emfuleni. It further claimed that the municipality’s audit committee has identified many of the same issues year after year without meaningful improvement.

“I can’t with good conscience continue exposing myself to the risk of non-conformance, non-compliance and mental health,” Me Desiree Nage wrote in her resignation letter.

The DA alleged that non-compliance continues despite recommendations from the audit and performance audit committees, and claimed the municipality continues to operate with an unfunded budget while flouting provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The party also alleged that unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure remains unchecked and is not investigated, while supply chain management irregularities continue to be highlighted in Auditor-General reports on the municipality’s annual financial statements. It further claimed that no disciplinary action has been taken in relation to these matters.

According to the DA, Nage’s resignation letter also cites the non-attendance of senior officials at committee meetings, incomplete information being provided, late notification of meeting dates and increasing inefficiency that compromised the committee’s ability to conduct effective oversight.

The party said repeated requests to address these issues had gone unanswered.

The DA said it views Nage’s resignation as “an indication of the rot that is Emfuleni Local Municipality.”

The Emfuleni Local Municipality has not publicly responded on the issue yet.