This, amidst allegations that Speaker Davis Lengoabala has sanctioned 15% salary deductions from their councillors’ salaries because they would not vote on an international trip he and executive mayor, Lindiwe Makhalema, were supposed to embark on. Despite the municipality having cancelled the overseas trip, which was set to cost taxpayers over R400 000, DA’s Eric Motloung says the speaker, mayor and municipal manager must account for the rut the municipality finds itself in. The delegates’ travel plans to Portugal and Switzerland, where they were said to look for investors, were thwarted during two special council sittings last month when opposing parties staged a walk-out leading to a quorum not being met.

This cancelled overseas trip has since sparked concern from opposition parties in the Provincial Legislature with Freedom Front Plus’ MPL, Tammy Wessels, stating that she is concerned the payments for travel allowance, accommodation and flights to Portugal and Switzerland for the delegates were made without the necessary approval of council.

She previously told OFM News that the most recent Auditor General’s report on Free State municipalities shows irregular expenditure and that it was clear that Dihlabeng’s top structure is disregarding not only the AG’s findings but the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) as well.

The office of the Speaker is yet to respond to OFM News’ enquiries in this regard.

OFM News