No proof of arts dept projects

community arts projects, but only 85 had supporting documents. Makwetu also found that management did not implement adequate controls to prevent and detect non-compliance with laws, which resulted in R12.3 million in irregular expenditure, and R32.5m in fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

He said goods and services valued above R500 000 were procured without inviting competitive bids.

Director-General Vusumuzi Mkhize said the irregular expenditure had been reduced from R41.9m “due to improvement of internal controls in the procurement section”. Nine officials were hauled before disciplinary hearing. “A total of R129 000 will be recovered from officials or companies.”

The department is in dispute resolution with an implementing agent after R28.6m in fruitless and wasteful expenditure was picked up in the multimillion-rand project at one of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s palaces.

Expenditure totalling R593 622 at the Winnie Madikizela house project has also been taken for dispute resolution. FORMER SA Police Union general secretary Oscar Skommere has accused ambitious union leaders of peddling lies about his leadership. This as allegations spread that he was booted out of his job for mismanagement and running the union into the ground.

In August, Skommere was removed as general secretary by the union’s national executive committee. It pledged to find him a different position in the union – a move hailed by provincial leaders unhappy with him.

The leaders, who asked for anonymity, said the union had been plunged into a financial crisis under Skommere, resulting in subscription fees of members being increased by more than 100% from R40 to R100.

But Skommere said it was his choice to relinquish the powerful position.

Acting Sapu general secretary Tumelo Mogodiseng also dismissed the allegations. “Some members are lying. Skommere’s health is not good. As result, he tendered a resignation and the NEC accepted it. He will be deployed again.” | Staff Reporter