The findings of a damning forensic report on the Polokwane Local Municipality highlight the Municipality’s failed internal processes and poor project management.
The report clearly indicates that directors and managers are not being properly monitored, and that the mismanaged human resource department has greatly contributed to the alarming state of municipal finances.
It also highlights the ineptitude of the Municipal Manager, Ms Thuso Nemugumoni.
The findings of the forensic report include, among other things:
• The relevant authorities did not approve or sign off on projects, plans and related costs in compliance with municipal legislation.
• The provisions of the Expanded Public Works Programme were not meticulously adhered to. Some of the workers have been employed for more than the permitted period of six months.
• The former manager of the legal department, Mr Ruben Maleta, was employed for ten years despite using a false ID and not having the required qualifications.
According to Polokwane’s Executive Mayor, Mr John Mpe, the Municipality will implement a performance management system to serve as consequence management and ensure that the Municipality operates efficiently.
The FF Plus will insist that the planning for such performance management systems is publicly disclosed so that input regarding solutions can be provided.
The party will also request thorough investigations into problems seeing as the current investigations lack the required mandate.
The costs related to the incomplete Mankweng Stadium – a project which should have taken three years to complete, but has been dragging on for ten years – already amount to R126 million. It is estimated that another R48 million is needed to complete it, if it is possible to proceed with the project at all.
Besides, not all the land earmarked for the construction of the Stadium belongs to the Municipality. This is yet another stumbling block standing in the way of its completion.
Any outstanding investigations should also be disclosed, enabling the party to apply the pressure needed for swift action.
The FF Plus will monitor the disciplinary actions and criminal cases lodged in this regard, and will keep up the pressure as these processes have been dragging on for too long and irregularities are often covered up.
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