The commission’s Provincial Manager, Osmond Mngomezulu, in an interview with OFM News confirms the majority of the complaints received by the commission relates to the infringement of rights to equality and access to water. He confirms several municipalities, including the infamous Madibeng and Moretele Local Municipalities, are currently under investigation. Mngomezulu has highlighted how most of the municipalities under investigation fail to carry out their mandate or cooperate with the commission.

OFM News’ interview with Mngomezulu comes against the backdrop of a damning report by another Chapter 9 institution – the office of the Auditor-General - that indicates how municipalities in the province are characterised by poor financial controls and a lack of accountability.

During a webinar held by the North West Treasury last week, it was confirmed that municipalities in the North West are in dire straits with the acting Head of the Auditor-General, Mthokozisi Sibisi, highlighting how money has been wasted on the use of consultants.

Sibisi said all 22 municipalities in the province are making use of consultants and have spent a total of R277,7 million in the 2019/20 financial year alone. He highlighted that this is money that could have been used towards service delivery.

Following Sibisi’s damning report, Treasury MEC Motlalepula Rosho acknowledged that municipalities in the North West urgently need to get their houses in order, with more than 50% of them already under administration.

Mngomezulu confirms to OFM News their investigations include several local municipalities, as well as district municipalities, such as the Ngaka Modiri Molema and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipalities.

These are amongst municipalities that are also under investigation for their investment into the VBS Mutual Bank. The controversial Moretele, Mahikeng, Madibeng, and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati illegally invested R314 million of taxpayers’ money into the now liquidated bank.  


Source: OFM News