DA councillor in the municipality, Alison Oates, says the municipality's financial state is worrying.

The event boasted big name artists and members of the public received free tickets.

Community leader, Mokotso Mokotso, told OFM News that the municipality is facing bankruptcy and isn’t managing its funds accordingly. 

“For instance, last year the national government allocated more than R200 million. This was in December. But during month end of February employees couldn’t get their salaries. The municipality had to opt for a loan. But the municipality is having events day in and day out. Besides this one, there are lots of events [which they host], and those are costing the municipality millions of rands,” he said.

The municipality said the event was sponsored by the business people despite the fact that the event’s official poster had the municipality’s logo on it.

^{Roughly 500 people gathered to enjoy entertainment by the 
likes of Rebecca Malope, Dr Malinga, and Jub Jub. Photo: Supplied}

Another resident, Portia Tsotetsi, said although she has the utmost respect for Mr Motsoeneng, she was shocked when she saw that the event was endorsed by the municipality given its financial state.

Tsotetsi said it was surprising that the municipality refused to confirm to one national newspaper whether or not they are funding it. 

“The municipality is not doing enough and it is so frustrating when you see that even infrastructure is not maintained," she told OFM News.

“It's one thing when the Mayor just wants to be a celebrity and pose on posters and billboards but another when he is doing that, yet not being efficient in office. We are not saying he shouldn't live his best life, but hey, just deliver to our people,” she added.  

The event comes two weeks after municipality officials sat down with the Public Protector to discuss issues of mismanagement following complaints laid with the institution. 

Deputy Public Protector, Kevin Malunga, said the municipality had to be subpoenaed for this sit-down due to lack of cooperation. Malunga said the municipality has a deadline of 31 March to respond to questions relating to the issues raised in their meeting.

OFM News