A bill shown to OFM News indicates that R1600 in cognac was purchased. The bill was ultimately rounded up to R20 000.

According to Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West provincial legislature, Freddy Sonakile, this behavior is appalling and should not be tolerated.

“The DA in JB Marks will ensure that municipal employees who spent R20 000 of ratepayers’ money on food and alcohol pay back every cent. We condemn this abuse of position and resources in the strongest terms,” Sonakile adds.

Meanwhile, municipal spokesperson Jeannette Tshite tells OFM News the women’s day celebration activity was organized by the municipality and sanctioned by the relevant Acting Director, with the expenditure incurred for the activity specified at R20 455.00.

Tshite confirmed “…it is true that, despite restrictions on certain beverages, some officials went ahead and made these purchases. The Directorate Corporate Services held an activity to celebrate Women’s Month. After the activity the focus thereof was on Gender-Based Violence, it was decided that the restaurant of choice for about thirty women will be Beef Boys. The matter will be dealt with regarding who went against the policy and bought alcohol, as it is not allowed under the current circumstances. It will not be fair to punish some because of others. Of course, because the activity was sanctioned, officials did not have to return to work. Therefore, members of the public should not be swayed by the suggestion that people were intoxicated during working hours and abandoned their workstations.”

“Members of the public can be assured that JB Marks Local Municipality is very sensitive to issues which confront women. There are many challenges that women in the workplace face, therefore every effort is made to do away with such issues and support the fight against Gender-Based Violence,” Tshite adds.

OFM News