The DA’s Nkateko Mabunda says the information that payments worth R630 000 were made to several service providers was outlined during a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) session. It is alleged that during this session the Mayor of the municipality, the Municipal Manager, and the Municipal Director were present.  “The payments were made during the second quarter of the 2022/23 year for work linked to Firmware, which is a free software service,” added Mabunda.

“The DA sought more clarity on this issue and was informed that these false orders were processed and paid under the leadership of the previous Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Management,” she explained. 

She stated that upon the DA’s investigation, they found no evidence of the requisition documentation from the ICT Department to the Supply Chain Management Department. However, they only found evidence that the Supply Chain Management Department made payments to service providers without the correct documentation and approval. 

“Payments up to R630 000 cannot be accounted for since there is no proof of the ICT system problem that required maintenance or of any official payment requisitions.”

She alleged the Municipal Manager indicated that he is aware of the alleged fraud occurring in the ICT Department and promised that the municipality would conduct an investigation and take all necessary steps to ensure that all monies are accounted for and paid back where needed.

An enquiry has been sent to the municipality for comment.

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