Allegations of misusing municipal funds to attend an ANC event have rocked the struggling Dr JS Moroka Municipality in Nkangala.
The municipality, which is battling to deliver services, allegedly paid R97,322 to book accommodation for its troika councillors—the mayor, speaker, and whip—to attend the ANC January 8 celebrations held in Mbombela from January 10 to 13, 2024.
A report from the finance department, tabled during a special council sitting held on Thursday, June 27, states that accommodation was also procured for two bodyguards for the mayor, two for the speaker, and four members of the mayoral committee (MMC).
The ANC in Nkangala told the media that the councillors honoured an invitation by the provincial legislature. “And this was prior to the January 8 Statement event,” said ANC media liaison officer Linkie Mohlala.
“These are full-time councillors, meaning that their benefits, remuneration, and tools of trade are determined by the minister. The reason the mayor, speaker, and chief whip have bodyguards is because it has been determined by the minister and approved by council. If such politicians attend functions, they go with their bodyguards. This is part of the determinations of upper limits.”
The report from supply chain management (SCM) indicates that the transaction was duly approved based on the invitation from the provincial government, “which invite was regarded as a government invite and directed to all municipalities in the province for attendance by those specific political office bearers.”
The matter was referred to the Section 76 Committee to conclude on recommendations from internal investigations. It appears the Hawks have also inserted probes into the matter for any acts of corruption.
“The matter is considered to be pending—sub judice—and the municipality should abide and co-operate during investigations undertaken by the Hawks,” said Executive Mayor Nomsa Mtsweni in her recommendations.
In 2022, former municipal manager of Dr JS Moroka, Thami Khubheka, was arrested by the Hawks’ Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for alleged fraud, theft, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). In 2019, Khubheka allegedly unlawfully approved the appointment of service providers while the bid adjudication committee declared the appointment irregular as it did not comply with SCM policy and the constitution. His actions reportedly cost the municipality over R4 million.
