This was revealed in Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke’s latest report on the 2019/20 local government audit outcomes released on Wednesday.  

Matjhabeng and the Mangaung Metro incurred R1,5 billion and R1,17 billion in unauthorised expenditure respectively. This supports the assertion in the report that there is a lack of accountability in the Free State municipalities and this creates a perpetual disrespect for regulations, resulting in the mismanagement of resources and a lack of service delivery. 

Mangaung is also the second highest contributor to irregular expenditure, with R1,6 billion incurred. This revelation comes amidst protest action and shutdowns in both Matjhabeng and Mangaung Metro recently.
 
OFM News recently reported that the Mangaung Concerned Community (MCC) has decided to boycott paying rates and services to the metro until the embattled council is dissolved, as opposed to organising a second shutdown. The MCC now urges all residents in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba’ Nchu, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, and Soutpan to join in on the mass boycott until this particular demand is met. 

MCC leader Themba Zweni says council is not properly managed and this is evident when looking at the state of the Free State metro’s finances. This is despite an unqualified audit being attained by the only metro under administration for the financial year ending June 2020.  
 
The MCC committee views revenue generated from rates paid, as the source of the council’s “arrogance” and they now wish to cut that lifeline. The MCC says should the council not be dissolved in 12 days – beginning on 1 July – they will forcibly occupy the municipal and provincial buildings in Bloemfontein. 

This is because they are of the view that the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) does have the power to intervene and dissolve council. 

Matjhabeng Community Foundation eventually wants Mayor Nkosinjani Speelman ousted for said unauthorised expenditure.

OFM News