Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Lerina Strydom
On the 28th of November 2024 during a council sitting, the Audit Committee of Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality reported on its findings on the financial reports as at end of September 2024, which disclosed the municipalities’ serious financial failures, most concerningly its failure to spend on capital projects. It’s “zero expenditure” on capital projects, is a damning failure of its core function as a District Municipality.
Other key findings include:
- The persistent internal control failures and non-compliance in Supply Chain Management,
- Irregular expenditure for the year stands at over R1.9 million, with a cumulative total exceeding R335 million,
- The prolonged absence of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Corporate Services, jeopardises internal controls and leadership stability,
- Discrepancies in Performance Reporting, undermining accountability,
- Delayed implementation of risk mitigation strategies, leaving the municipality exposed to compliance and IT system risks,
- Persistent delays in providing information for the internal audit process, and
- A lack of transparency in litigation costs.
The dismal state of Infrastructure in this district leaves a lot to be desired and contributes to the collapse of service delivery and economic development.
The reported “zero expenditure” on infrastructure is a clear indication of the municipalities’ lack of political will and failure to enforce consequence management.
The DA demands immediate corrective measures to prioritise and execute capital projects in a transparent and efficient manner.
The DA also urges the municipality to expedite the filling of critical positions and to immediately improve the Performance Management System.
The DA remains committed to holding the municipality accountable and working towards better service delivery and infrastructure development for the community.
The residents of Dr KK deserve a municipality that prioritizes their needs and delivers on its mandate.