Premier David Mabuza and MEC Norman Mokoena meet with Mashishing activists forum

10 July 2009

The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr David Mabuza and the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Norman Mokoena have visited the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. The Premier and the MEC met with the Mashishing activists forum to give them feedback on the report presented by the technical committee that was set up last week Friday to look into the challenges in the area.

At the meeting both Premier Mabuza and MEC Mokoena indicated their dissatisfaction at the interim report that was presented by the technical task team. The interim report has shown gaps and lack of co-operation by the municipality. MEC Mokoena indicated that due to the dissatisfaction, the provincial government has decided to implement a full-scale investigation into the allegations levelled by the municipality and the fraudulent transfer of R3,2 million from the municipal account. The investigation will be conducted in accordance with Section 106(1) (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000).

MEC Mokoena has also indicated that the Chief Financial Officer and three other officials from the finance section will be suspended to allow the investigation to proceed without hindrance.

Both the Premier and the MEC have clarified the confusion that was caused by the miscommunication that the Premier would be coming to have a meeting with the community and yet the meeting was not planned for the community but for the leaders of the activists forum, as agreed in the last meeting. There was also no time agreed on.

The Premier has also assured both the activist forum and the community that government remains committed to resolving all their problems and it will work with them to deal with the issues and ensure that quality services are delivered to our people. He has also called the community to restore calm and peace in the area.

Premier Mabuza also urged the community to work with the investigators who will be appointed and to provide all the evidence that they may have at their disposal.

The meeting ended on a positive note and it was agreed that MEC Mokoena and the activist forum will meet with the community on Sunday 12 July 2009 at 10h00 at the Mashishing Park, to give them feedback on the outcome of the meeting.

Enquiries:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931

Issued by: Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs