Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Cllr Neo Mabote.
The DA in the Mahikeng Local Municipality rejects the ANC-led Council’s illegitimate decision to fund an international trip to South Korea for the Speaker, Cllr Gagoangwe Matha, to attend the United Cities and Local Government conference.
The expected cost of the trip will be around R63,000.00.
Last week’s Council meeting was brought to an earlier close after several agenda items were suspended. Yesterday, a Special Council meeting was called, not to consider the suspended items from last week, but only to seek approval for the unbudgeted and unplanned expenditure to fund this international trip.
The DA objected to the Special Meeting, since it violated the Council’s own Standing Rules and Orders, specifically Rule 41, which states that a continuation of a Council meeting may only be called seven days later.
The ANC through its majority forced its way through the DA’s objections to resume the sitting.The DA opposed the unbudgeted costs for this international trip on the grounds that it would be irregular expenditure, considering that the entire budget for Mahikeng remains unfunded and that every cent should rather be spent on improving service delivery.
A few weeks ago, Councillors were told that there is no money to repair potholes in Mahikeng. Last week Council took a decision not to fund the participation of the municipality’s wellness team at a sporting event in Polokwane later this month, since it was not budgeted for, and neither would the expenditure be beneficial. Funds was however suddenly found for the Speaker to take a luxury trip abroad. The ANC have lost all common sense.
This trip is nothing but a taxpayer funded luxury holiday for yet another ANC-cadre, while people suffer under the collapse of poor governance.
The financial situation of the municipality is critical, and the municipality should adhere to cost containment measures to improve cashflow to fund service delivery needs.The DA will report this matter to the Public Protector for investigation and call for remedial action against the Speaker and Municipal Manager, Advocate Dineo Mongwaketse, for dereliction of duty.
The DA will continue to fight the injustices brought on by the ANC administration and ensure that Mahikeng residents get the services they are entitled to.