KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka today assigned a team of senior officials to table before the Abaqulusi council a report on the forensic investigation conducted by the department. The investigation focused on allegations of fraud, corruption, maladministration and statutory non-compliance in terms of Section 106(1)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act.
The report makes findings of maladministration as well as irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure caused by irregular appointment of officials within the municipality. The report also recommends disciplinary proceedings to be initiated against those who are implicated in the findings.
The municipality has been given 21 days within which to table the report before full council, deal with specific details contained in the report and thereafter report to the MEC for Cogta on the remedial actions. The tabling of this report is yet another strong indication of MEC Hlomuka’s commitment to dealing with allegations of wrongdoing in municipalities.
The department continues to use all available instruments to enforce accountability within the sphere of local government within the province of KZN.
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