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During the tabling of a report by the chairperson of the Mantsopa Internal Audit Committee, Pesha Shale made it clear that Mantsopa Local Municipality's financial department needs an immediate and urgent restructuring.

Presenting the AG report for the financial year 2020/21, he mentioned that it is worrying that he is not reporting on the 2021/22 annual financial statements as these had not yet been submitted to the auditor general as was required by August 2022.

He raised concerns that Mantsopa Municipality will not achieve stability until the vacant position of Municipal Manager is filled. This position has been vacant since May 2021.

The internal audit report raises recurring issues such as:

• internal controls are not adhered to
• fraud and risk-related matters
• expenditure management problems
• performance management not monitored
• excessive and uncontrolled overtime
• excessive and uncontrolled travel claims

The DA once again highlights the same matters that were raised year after year. We need a council that is functional and will not hesitate to carry out its oversight role and implement consequences where necessary to make sure that the residents of Mantsopa will receive the services they pay for and that public funds are managed with integrity and transparency.

The only way that this can be achieved is through a DA policy of good governance in the council, where there is no procrastinating, cadre deployment, and other factional issues.

Issued by Tania Halse - DA Councillor Mantsopa Local Municipality