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The DA in Moqhaka Local Municipality is concerned that council resolutions are not adhered to. At a recent council meeting, it was discovered that the acting Municipal Manager violated a Council decision to ring-fence electrical monies and pay Eskom as per our payment plan. The decision was taken on 21 June 2022 and the acting MM had to report monthly to the Executive Mayor on the payment.

If payment was not done as per the payment plan, the Executive Mayor must call an immediate special council meeting to inform the council and for the council to decide on the non-payment as per the resolution. No report came to the council until 15 December 2022, when it was discovered that the payments were not done as per plan. At this council meeting, we were informed that Eskom gave the municipality notice on 18 September 2022 that electricity will be suspended due to non-payment. This notice was also withheld from the council.

The DA asked for a special council, which was held on 15 December 2022, with all the relevant documentation. The Executive Mayor and acting MM both apologized for not complying. The non-compliance was referred to MPAC for investigation. An ad-hoc committee will be established to investigate the matter and to advise on disciplinary action.

The lack of action from the municipality has caused water disruptions and rotational restrictions without notice. The community of Moqhaka have taken to the streets to express their dissatisfaction.

The DA has submitted a complaint of financial misconduct at the SAPS against the acting MM and the Executive Mayor for not complying with the Council resolution and for not adhering to Section 173(1) (c) (bb) of the MFMA. This has cost Moqhaka Municipality millions in additional interest to Eskom.

Issued by Chris Dalton - DA Councillor Moqhaka Local Municipality