/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Select Committee on Appropriations was yesterday set to be briefed by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality; Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipalities regarding the progress on the various spatial development projects in the Gauteng Province.

The Committee raised its concerns with the absence of top political and administrative leadership structures including Mayors and Municipal Managers from both Tshwane and Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipalities. While an apology was received from the Mayor of the Tshwane municipality, Mr Solly Msimanga, the Committee said that there are other top leaders such as the Deputy Executive Mayor or Members of Mayoral Committee who could have been present together with the Municipal Manager. The acceptable practice is that in the absence of the political head (who is the Mayor in this case) at least the Accounting Officer (who is the Municipal Manager in this case) should be present.

The Committee Chairperson, Mr Charel De Beer made reference to Section 60 and 61 of the Municipal Finance Management Act which states that the Municipal Manager is the Accounting Officer, and should thus be present. The Committee further reiterated that while authority can be delegated but accountability cannot be delegated.

That is because; being accountable does not only mean being responsible but also means ultimately being answerable for your actions as an authority. The Select Committee indicated at the previous meeting held in Parliament, that the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager and the CFO of the 3 Metropolitan Municipalities must be present at the follow up meeting during the oversight to Gauteng in September 2017.

While the Officials from the Tshwane and Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipalities were requested to reschedule their presentations and ensure the attendance of top leadership structures for today, the Committee continued its oversight visit with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, whose Executive Mayor was present.

Officials from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality presented to the Committee their pro poor agenda which seeks to ensure improved, dependable and impactful service delivery to the communities. This agenda includes free basic services such as water and electricity; and social packages to indigents which includes free refuse removal and special rebates on emergency services. While the Committee was satisfied with the overall plans presented by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, they were not presented with explanations on the expenditure of conditional grant funds, which are to be utilised to improve infrastructure development in previously disadvantaged areas which are located at the periphery of the Cities. 

The Committee was further taken on site visits at the Ekurhuleni Transport Management entre and an informal settlement in Tembisa to assess the progress made in these areas. The Committee is yet to deliberate on its observation. 

The Committee will continue its oversight today, Tuesday, 05 September 2017 with presentations from both the Tshwane and Johannesburg Municipalities, followed by site visits to their respective spatial development projects.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Acting Chairperson of the Select Committee on Appropriations, Charel De Beer