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Moqhaka Local Municipality's engagement with an IT company, Pursuit Knowledge Consulting (PKC), which is allegedly under investigation for fraud, is a cause for concern.

On 29 August 2023, the Municipal Council received a progress report detailing the ongoing recovery efforts of the Municipal ICT systems following a cyber-attack earlier this year. The report revealed that PKC was contracted by the municipality to restore data and ICT systems affected by the attack.

However, the report lacks transparency as it fails to disclose the financial implications incurred for PKC's services or any legal actions taken in response to the cyber-attack incident, such as filing a case with the South African Police Services (SAPS) or other relevant investigation units.

What is particularly disconcerting is that PKC is reportedly under investigation for alleged misconduct. PKC was selected as the preferred bidder on multiple occasions, receiving contracts worth millions, including providing anti-virus solutions to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) after a malware virus attack.

It is alarming to discover that the municipality has awarded a contract to PKC, a company allegedly under investigation. This decision raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds.

Given these troubling circumstances, the DA urges that all matters related to PKC be referred directly to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for a thorough investigation. The municipality has a duty to ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely and that services are provided by reputable, law-abiding entities. We will take swift action to address this matter and ensure the protection of the community's interests.

Issued by Mbali Mnaba - DA Councillor Moqhaka Local Municipality