Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Mduduzi Maphanga
The DA will submit a letter to the office of the speaker, Ms. Mamikie Molefe, demanding reasons for her failure to timeously hold a special council sitting to discuss allegations of fraud and corruption against the Municipal Manager (MM), Mr. Clement Letswalo.
According to reports, Mr. Letswalo misappropriated R20 million in unauthorised expenditure towards litigation cases. This is four times the quarterly budget, thereby diverting monies earmarked for service delivery and salaries. Many of these cases were resolved by the Council to be challenged in court, as proposed by the DA.
The DA will also submit a letter to the Chief Whip, Mr. Kagiso Sellaolane, requesting that he call a rules committee meeting to charge the Speaker. This comes on the back of the Speakers’ failure to timeously hold a special council sitting relating to the allegations against Mr. Letswalo, which was supposed to be held on the 8th of May 2024.
The Speaker held the council hostage for the next two months, allowing Mr. Letswalo unfetered access to the public purse, being fully aware that he could be suspended. In the meantime, residents in Derby and Koster were facing severe water shortages while the municipality tried to negotiate terms of payment with service providers because the funds had already been misappropriated.
Mr. Letswalo was suspended on an unrelated matter pending investigation outcome.
The DA proposed that because of the municipalities further financial degredation due to the Speakers actions, all councillors must forgo upper limits, and further consequence management must be taken against Mr. Letswalo.
This blow to service delivery by Mr. Letswalo is a reminder of the objection the DA and other opposition parties, bar the EFF, made against his appointment.
The DA will continue to fight for Kgetlengrivier residents.