Mayor intervenes as security personnel block Bennett

MBABANE – While security personnel ensured that businessman Walter Bennett was not allowed to attend the Municipal Council of Mbabane’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), eventually he made his way through after Mayor Zephaniah Nkambule intervened.

This came after Bennett had been left out from the list of attendees which was used by the security personnel to allow guests inside the conference room at Emafini yesterday. The council meeting is chaired by the mayor.

However, such did not stop the businessman from shying away from the meeting as per his determination to make his submissions.

At around 9am, Bennett had already arrived at the event where he found security personnel at the entrance.

Despite him being told that he could not attend the meeting as he was not on the list, Bennett did not turn back.

He was eventually allowed inside the conference room following the arrival of the mayor at 9:40am.

The businessman reported to Mayor Nkambule that he had been refused entry by the security personnel.

Submissions

The mayor allowed him inside where he sat quietly and followed the proceedings. Bennett did not let go of the opportunity to make his submissions as per his promise.

He said those who were in management and responsible for finances had implemented changes on the financial statements.

According to Bennett, the last time it was properly reported on the finances was in 2012.

“We were told the supplementary schedules were not part of the accounts and were not audited, without understanding what it meant.”

He said the council did not have the mandate to change the financial statement report without engaging stakeholders.

Bennett said according to the Urban Government Act, it clearly stated on reallocation of funds and the limit was in black and white.

However, he said the council allegedly changed the Act and allowed up to 3.6 per cent or 6.3 per cent to use funds.

This, he said, allowed management for instance to request a E50 000 budget for opening a property and approved by the councillors and ministry, but when the job was eventually implemented, it ended up at E500 000.

As a result, he stated that funds budgeted for other projects were then used.