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Almost 4 months since the independent investigation report by Bowman Gilfillan was verbally presented and tabled in the Polokwane municipal Council on 21 April 2023 and councillors have still not been given the opportunity, as promised, to peruse the report.

The DA has submitted a motion to Council moving for proper accountability and full access to the Bowman report.

The report highlighted verified acts of nepotism and irregularities in appointments, undue procedural errors in the awarding of tenders and possible criminal acts by municipal officials, among others.

Councillors have a right to fully participate in the decision-making processes of Council and represent the interests of their community, which requires them to have access to all reports and information available.

We fully understand the sensitive nature of the report and the fact that investigators even received death threats, this however cannot detract from the fact that councillors are allowed access to the full report in order to adequately action our mandated oversight role and advocate for proper consequence management.

Worryingly there are two more independent investigations that must still be tabled to council for which the terms of reference were both approved on 29 September 2022.

An Independent investigation was initiated based on findings by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) during the 2020/21 financial year and has yet to be tabled. The Auditor General found that the municipality incurred irregular expenditure amounting to R13 707 495,76, for the provision of a fleet and related equipment .

Another independent investigation into the Mankweng Sport Complex has collapsed as the contracted service provider has for some reason requested to withdraw from the investigation. This investigation was initiated due to findings by the AGSA during the 2020/21 year which found that payments were made to a contractor without any work done for the payment certificate. This raises serious questions with regards to accountability and the completion of the project. Currently the stadium is unsafe and is a white elephant, leaving residents of the area with inadequate sports facilities.

Residents of Polokwane deserve better than ANC corruption and mismanagement. The DA will continue monitoring these investigations and the proper implementation of actionable recommendations to ensure accountable and transparent governance in the municipality.

Issued by Cllr Jacques Joubert - DA Caucus Leader - Polokwane Local Municipality