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The DA will write to the Mayor of Molemole Municipality, Edward Paya to immediately suspend the Municipal Manager, Lazarus Mosena for authorising a payment of over R236 000 to a service provider who was irregularly appointed.

The DA can confirm that the municipality has appointed GN Moabelo Incorporated to compile a Cost Containment Policy but that a tender was never advertised for this appointment. This action contravenes section 32 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and opens the door for corruption and nepotism in the Municipality.

The payment was processed on the 03 June 2019 but the appointment of this service provider was never even discussed in Council.

This is a clear abuse of power and unnecessary, unauthorised expenditure which could have been avoided if correct procedures were followed.

The DA has furthered noted that several other tenders were also awarded without being advertised in newspapers, municipal notice boards or on the internet.

This is a serious violation of tender processes which shows the desire to benefit only connected individuals from a select circle of political tenderpreneurs without following due process.

The municipality has been turned into a corruption hub and these irregular and unlawful activities are also contributing to the huge service delivery backlog within the municipality.

The DA urges Mayor Paya to take decisive steps against the MM and ensure that the money is recouped and directed towards service delivery.

Issued by The DA