The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) helped to stop the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council (NMBM) from writing off R2,6 billion in irregular expenditure without sufficient documentation or a thorough investigation.
Such a step would constitute a serious violation of financial accountability and transparency.
The only reason why the step could not be carried out is the division within the ANC itself. Because certain ANC councillors refused to support the proposal, the matter was referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for further investigation.
The Freedom Front Plus welcomes the referral of the matter to the MPAC and insists that a thorough audit be conducted to determine which expenses were justified and which may be linked to corruption.
The party has suspected for quite some time that the enormous amount is not a mere administrative error, but that it may include invoices from cadres and friends. If that is the case, the Metro is trying to write off the amount at the expense of its residents.
This incident highlights the bigger problem of financial mismanagement and corruption within the Metro.
The Freedom Front Plus will not allow money earmarked for service delivery to simply disappear without accountability.
The party remains determined to fight for financial transparency and accountability in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, and other municipalities affected by similar problems.
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