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The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) provincial inquiry into the state of Phokwane municipality has exposed the urgent need for the implementation of consequence management amidst references made to questionable contracts. 

Submissions by the Technical Director, Boy Dhluwayo, that Phokwane municipality spent approximately R3 million per month on water tankering contracts, for between three and four years before the municipality bought its own tankers, cannot be left unchallenged. 

The comments made by Municipal Manager, Zithulele Nikani, that “individuals like stealing money” raise a further red flag. Even more so given that he could only mention criminal charges made against an individual in relation to stealing petrol. 

We need confirmation that a criminal case has been opened regarding the multi-million rand water tankering contract or that it is one of the matters currently under investigation by the Hawks. Nikani must also tell us who the individuals are who "like stealing money" and furnish us with the case numbers lodged at the SAPS.

Earlier this year, the DA expressed our concerns about past water tankering contracts, whereby proper Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes were not followed and where contracts were awarded without planning appropriately for procurement of water tankering services. The unnecessary use of emergency procedures to facilitate the procurement of these services resulted in irregular expenditure which was repeatedly raised by the Auditor General. 

After having recently tabled our motion for the inclusion of strict limitations and increased transparency and scrutiny of all emergency procurement, the DA will also table a motion calling for officials to be held accountable for all past cases of irregular expenditure. This must include strengthening systems that can lead to the recovery of financial losses and addressing the poor audit outcomes that continue to be obtained by Phokwane municipality. 

Only once corruption within the Phokwane municipality is combatted, can the municipality restore service delivery by ensuring that every cent is pumped into service and infrastructure, and not the pockets of connected individuals.

Issued by Michael Kaars, Cllr - Phokwane Municipality