The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has unequivocally rejected a report by the Tshwane Metro requesting approval for writing off R336 million in irregular expenditure.
The expenses were incurred during the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
The report does not provide comprehensive information on the nature and extent of the irregular expenditure, nor does it identify the officials responsible for it. It also does not indicate whether any disciplinary action has been taken against them.
The only documents presented to the Council were tables detailing costly office contracts, legal services, undefined contractual non-compliance and the absence of bidding documents.
One such instance of non-compliance relates to the Middestad Building, which highlights a lack of planning and proper management.
Another cause for concern for the Freedom Front Plus is the appointment of a panel of legal practitioners, with no specific amount earmarked for it. This is yet another example of an irregular expense without any supporting documentation or evidence.
The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) clearly stipulates that all irregular expenditure must be investigated and the funds must be recovered if officials could be tied to the expenses.
Despite failing to comply with these regulations, the Council is still being asked to approve the write-off of the irregular expenditure.
The Freedom Front Plus cannot allow the Council to become a rubber stamp for mismanagement.
The Tshwane Metro should tell its residents the truth about who authorised the items, who benefited from them, and who should be held accountable – the Metro owes the people that much.
The Freedom Front Plus demands a comprehensive investigation. Without it, the report is unacceptable and merely serves as further proof of the Metro failing its residents.
