Maluti-a-Phofung can’t pay staff on time
Cash to come in dribs and drabs
Workers at Maluti-a-Phofung municipality in Free State will not get their salaries as usual this month, but have been assured they will be reimbursed in staggered payments.
A notice issued on Monday said the council finds itself in a difficult cash-flow position due to nonpayment of services and continued vandalism of electrical infrastructure.
“We are therefore unable to pay employees and councillors on November 23 2022.
“Employees will be paid according to their post-level categories, starting from post-level 15 upwards. We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” read the notice.
Municipal spokesperson Thabo Kessah said: “The only difference is that salary payments will be categorised according to levels and will be paid on different days until November 30,” he said.
The notice has angered political organisations, with DA councillor Alison Oates warning finances in the municipality are running dry.
“The latest financial reports made available to the finance section 80 committee are from the first month of the financial year, July 2022. Even then it was obvious a crisis was looming. The DA warned in June that the budget was unrealistic and illegal.
“The budget was eventually accepted on the promise that all political parties would support a financial recovery plan. Regrettably this didn’t occur.”
Oates said the municipality was unable to manage its finances, which has resulted in a breakdown in community service delivery and a deterioration of infrastructure.
The ANC said it wasn’t shocked by the notice.
“This municipality is on its knees under the MAP16 coalition government. It cannot meet its financial obligations.
“ANC blames corrupt and incompetent leadership of the coalition government in the municipality,” said ANC councillor Mandlenkosi Dlamini.
He said they warned the council about ridiculous and unrealistic budget presented by the mayor this year. “This municipality receives quarterly funds from government, Where are these funds if the municipality fails to pay workers?” he asked.