Sol Plaatje must turn streetlights on for festive season
| by Reinette Liebenberg – DA Northern Cape Constituency Head for Central North |
| Date: 21 November 2019 |
| Release: Immediate |
| The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape wants answers in response to the empty seat in the mayoral office at the local Siyathemba municipality amidst allegations of financial misconduct by the Mayor.Mr Howard Tsume’s absence, since the 15th of August this year, has led to an array of municipal management functions, as set out in the Municipal Structures Act 117 (1998), not being carried out.This dereliction of duty includes, amongst others, the executive mayor failing to: evaluate progress against the key performance indicators; oversee the provision of services to communities in the municipality in a sustainable manner and monitor the management of the municipality’s administration in accordance with the directions of the municipal council, like submitting frequent monthly budget statements.Details relating to Tsume’s absence have not fully been divulged, as the available minutes of the last council meeting, do not reflect what truly happened in council. Municipal Manager, Mr Ronny Stadhouer is only willing to admit that the matter was handed over to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements (CoGHSTA) for action.One should take note that the ruling party is also unwilling to take any action against the transgressors of possible misconduct.The DA has sent a letter through to the MEC of COGHSTA, Mr Bentley Vass, to enquire about the Mayor’s prolonged absence.In light of the irregular expenses previously noted in the audit reports of the municipality, it is concerning that there is such slow reaction in instances of alleged transgressions against the Mayor of Siyathemba. |
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