DA calls for dismissal of Emfuleni municipal manager
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the MEC for Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Gauteng, Lebogang Maile, to urgently place Oupa Nkoane, Acting Municipal Manager of the Emfuleni Local Municipality on special leave until investigations of mismanagement against him are completed.
by Dady Mollo Cllr – Emfuleni Central Constituency Head
Nkoane is amongst 12 officials implicated in a condemning 2017/18 forensic report which revealed the loss of R872 million in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure through a series of irregular contracts at the municipality.
Amongst the major causes of irregular expenditure in the Emfuleni Municipality are:
Mafoko Security Patrols was paid more than R93 650 603.88 after its initial contract was extended without the regulations of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA);
BBP Security Services/Wesizwe Risk Solutions was paid R17 620 721.08 as a separate legal entity without being awarded a contract;
Brilliantel Telecommunications whose contract with the Mogale City Local Municipality was terminated less than a month from its starting date was paid R38 600 398.77; and
Red Ants Contract was paid R133 809 210.87 and the contract was ceded to a third party not involved in the initial tender process.
These irregularities are just the tip of the iceberg.
The Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 clearly stipulates the processes that must be followed to appoint a municipal manager, including the appointed individual having the prescribed skills, expertise, competencies and qualifications for the position.
Municipal managers play a critical role in terms of guarding against corruption and irregular, unauthorised, fruitless and wasteful expenditure at a municipality and therefore require the necessary skills to ensure administrative compliance.
Nkoane and his predecessor must be held liable for the loss of R872 million at Emfuleni through consequence management, as the money disappeared from the municipality’s coffers during his tenure.
The ANC-led Emfuleni Municipality is among the worst performing municipalities in Gauteng and is currently under partial administration.
The DA is committed to good governance and we will do all that we can to see that residents‘ money is spent as it should be, across all municipalities in Gauteng.
