The DA in Matlosana Municipality has raised concerns over the R700,000 spent on a luxury vehicle for the council whip.

DA Councillor Johannes le Grange has criticised the Klerksdorp-based municipality for what he deems unnecessary spending while essential services remain underfunded.

The council proposed and approved the purchase of the new luxury vehicle during a special council meeting on 19 July despite objections from the DA, said le Granger. The approved amount does not include additional costs such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel.

“Considering that this municipality is already operating at a deficit of R90-million a month, it simply cannot afford these luxuries,” he said. The municipality owes Central Vaal Water R1.7-billion and Eskom R1.9-billion.

Despite these debts, the council opted to spend R700,000 on a vehicle for the whip. Additionally, the municipality loses 62% of its water due to leakages, amounting to a loss of R400-million.

DA Councillor in Matlosana, Johannes le Grange during a council meeting. Photo: Screenshot.

Le Grange also mentioned past expenditures on vehicles, including a new car for the mayor and an R700,000 allowance for the speaker to purchase a new vehicle. He questioned the necessity of the whip receiving such an expensive car, while his primary responsibilities are within the council house.

Le Grange further criticised the municipality’s operational inefficiencies, revealing that only 15% of the municipal fleet is operational. Residents face delays in services, with only four out of 34 vehicles in the water department and three out of thirty in the sewage department currently functional.

When he questioned the fleet department, le Grange was informed there was no money to service vehicles.

“How can you justify a vehicle for R700,000 and what is the purpose? I mean, what are they doing? It’s like an admin officer, a person working with the phone, he’s answering phones at the switchboard but you purchase him a car. What is he going to do with this vehicle?”

The DA’s planning to bring a motion of incompetence against the director of Technical Services. Le Grange also criticised the mayor, previously the MMC for Technical Services and Infrastructure, for approving the budget despite knowing the financial challenges. The municipality has an income of R3-billion, but its expenditure is around R4-billion per annum. OFM News has sent an inquiry to the municipality and is awaiting a response.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh