The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gamagara is insisting that a promised workshop on the premature write-off of R1.6 billion in irregular, fruitless and wasteful, and unauthorised expenditure incurred over the past 10 years, is urgently convened.
On 30 June, the DA strongly opposed the ANC-EFF led council’s decision to push ahead with the R1.6 billion write-off after the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) tabled a report, lacking any verifiable supporting documentation. This came after MPAC members reportedly attended a three-day workshop in Kimberley to compile this report.
Despite calls by the DA for transparency and accountability, the ANC majority moved ahead with the write-off, without a single shred of evidence presented to councillors before the vote. They said this was on condition that a workshop would later be held to explain the report and evidence.
Three weeks have now passed, and no such workshop has occurred. This raises serious concerns about the integrity and completeness of the MPAC’s findings.
The DA is of the view that the write-off, without full disclosure and proper engagement with all councillors, was premature and irresponsible.
In addition, we are alarmed by further developments that point to continued disregard for due process. This includes a Finance Portfolio Committee meeting recently being convened without a quorum, despite the Executive Mayor being alerted in advance. Any decisions made under such circumstances are legally questionable and undermine governance structures.
The DA has called on the Executive Mayor and Speaker of Gamagara municipality to urgently convene the promised workshop and ensure that proper processes are followed in all council and committee work.
The DA will not support any financial write-offs until all councillors are provided with full evidence and proper documentation, and given the opportunity to interrogate the findings in an open and honest forum.