This, as the municipality’s top brass are expected to account before the Standing Committee of Public Accounts and Finance. 

The committee, currently sitting in Kroonstad, says it is appalling that a municipality as small as the Moqhaka Municipality has irregular expenditures running up to R54 million, as outlined in the latest Auditor-General report. 

The DA’s David van Vuuren, EFF’s Mahlomola Majake, as well as the Freedom Front Plus’ Jan van Niekerk says the municipality needs to account for the R18.4 million loss (water) and R56.9 million loss (electricity) that they also incurred in the 2018/19 financial year. The parties have further lambasted the municipality for their lack of leadership and non-compliance with supply chain management, stating that the Chief Financial Officer, Thuso Marumo, and Executive Mayor, Mpho Chakane, must take responsibility.

OFM News previously reported that the head of the AG in the Free State, Luthando Mbandazayo, has highlighted how the municipality is regressing into a deeper financial rut and remains in need of urgent intervention.

The municipality is reported as one of the Free State municipalities battling to provide services to its residents, fill vacancies and manage finances.

Whilst opposition parties demand answers over a lack of leadership and irregular tender processes, the non-payment of third parties - such as employees’ medical aids - is another issue that hangs over the municipality.

The municipality’s Seithati Joyce Monyaki has meanwhile told the Committee that they are working to address the issues regarding unauthorised expenditure and that there are internal investigations underway.

Marumo and Chakane are soon expected to take the stand.

OFM News