27 June 2019

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Free State notes the Auditor General’s (AG) report on the dire state of municipalities and provincial departments. In the report, the AG makes reference to irregular expenditure of R21 million spent on a non-existent Sports Complex in Orangeville, Metsimaholo Local Municipality.

This irregular expenditure, which clearly points to blatant corruption, was uncovered through a forensic investigation instituted by the Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality, Cllr Lindiwe Tshongwe, upon assuming office. This expenditure of R21 million of taxpayer’s money on a sports complex that does not exist occurred before the current government in Metsimaholo Local Municipality came into office.

The Executive Mayor and Council relied on this forensic report and other considerations to suspend the municipal manager who, according to the report authorised these expenditures. The municipality instituted appropriate disciplinary and other processes against the manager. This process must culminate in the determination of criminal charges against all those responsible for any corrupt activities on this issue and the recovery of all monies.

The forensic investigation report was subsequently handed over to the AG because transparency is critical when dealing with public resources. The AG and his team were further taken to the vacant land to bear witness that indeed absolutely nothing was done to build the sports complex whereas 95% of the budget was already spent. These irregular expenditures were not picked up in previous audits and the current leadership of the municipality disclosed this matter to the AG, hence it is being flagged by the AG. This has obviously contributed adversely to the audit outcomes of the municipality.

The SACP in the Free State Province, in its executive meeting planned for this weekend, will make detailed reflections and pronounce itself on the AG’s report which points to a dire situation across municipalities and provincial departments in the Free State.

Issued by the SACP Free State Province

Contact:

Bheke Stofile – SACP Free State Provincial Secretary
Mobile: 071 600 4899

Phillip Kganyago – SACP Free State Provincial Spokesperson
Mobile: 071 896 0157