MATIKA MUST ALSO GO
COMMUNITY members have added to their list of demands the removal of the Sol Plaatje executive mayor, Mangaliso Matika, by tomorrow failing which the shutdown of the city will resume next week.
This follows the precautionary suspension of the municipal manager, Goolam Akharwaray, and the chief financial officer (CFO), Lydia Mahloko, during a special council meeting on Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of Sol Plaatje residents and ratepayers, Tumelo Mosikare said yesterday that following a community meeting that was held on Tuesday evening, it was decided to allow schools and businesses to stay open until Friday.
“If the mayor is still not gone by the end of the week, we will hold another community meeting on Sunday to discuss the way forward. The community objected to the proceedings of the special council meeting that was held on Tuesday and rejected the proposals offered by the ANC in resolving the matter.
“They are extremely irritated that the mayor is still in office and are not prepared to wait for the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to meet to first discuss his removal.”
Mosikare called for an independent forensic audit to be conducted at the municipality.
“The mayor was arrogant in his response regarding our demands to remove the CFO and municipal manager. The mayor failed to act and therefore he should also go.”
He was doubtful that the investigation, being spearheaded by the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) to investigate possible charges against Akharwaray and Mahloko, would be completely objective.
“Officials are being protected. Government should step aside to allow a reputable, independent company such as PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct a forensic audit at the municipality. Since the start Coghsta was unable to provide any guidance to the municipality. We can expect further delaying tactics in this investigation.”
He stated that none of the promises made had been delivered so far.
“We wanted the CFO and municipal manager removed and not suspended. It is evident that there has been no attempt to investigate the R1.2 million contract that was awarded to the public relations company that was hired to run the campaign for the R260 electricity levy.”
He added that none of the local tuck shops were displaying the signs with the prescribed electricity tariffs.
“The municipality should have provided them with signboards already.”
Mosikare pointed out that their efforts were in no way politically motivated and believed that there were attempts to divide the community by sowing disinformation.
“We have noted the messages and voice notes that are circulating and warn the community not to treat it as coming from a reputable source, unless the person provides their identity and contact numbers.
“We are not here to advance any individual or politician and have no other agenda than to make Kimberley a better city.”
Spokesperson for Coghsta, Lerato Khunou, said the team appointed to investigate the two officials would consist of five people, headed by P Seane from Coghsta.
“The team is impartial and will investigate issues as per their brief. The investigation will be for a period of 21 days, which includes a final report on their findings. After the report has been finalised and findings presented, the MEC for Coghsta will apply his mind to whether there is a need for a forensic investigation.”
ANC provincial secretary, Deshi Ngxanga, indicated that the ANC would convene a special Provincial Working Committee and a special PEC meeting today.
“We will discuss the matters that were raised by the community representatives during their meeting with the officials of the ANC.”