The City of Joburg denies paying millions to mayor’s 'favourite' NGO
The City of Johannesburg has dismissed allegations that over
R10 million was paid to the Field Band Foundation (FBF) due to Mayor Herman
Mashaba’s influence.
Mashaba is the former chairperson of the foundation. He served in that position for 16-years.
The ANC in Gauteng alleges Mashaba used his power and influence to coerce the metro to award the grant to the foundation without following proper procedures.
The ANC's Jolidee Matongo says in February 2017, a letter was written by MMC for Health and Social Development Ms. Mpho Phalatse, to then MMC for Finance Mr. Rabelani Dagada. The letter requested three-years funding for the Field Band Foundation despite the fact that there had been no proposal or request for funding from the FBF at the time.
It’s alleged as a result of the written request from Phalatse, the City budgeted an amount of R3.5 million per year over a three year period to the organisation.
“We find this outrageous as the Mayor should know that procurement is a process that must be open to the public but in this instance the Field Band Foundation was approached by the City for them to provide services without other NGOs being given opportunities to render this service,” says Matongo.
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Meanwhile, the City has labelled the allegations by the ANC as another attempt to spread misinformation about the Mayor.
“The City’s association with Field Band Foundation is to assist the city to combat substance abuse in communities especially the youth. FBF has worked with numerous government spheres and has a strong relationship with the department of arts and culture,” says mayoral spokesperson, Luyanda Mfeka.
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The City says the ANC is diverting attention from the real issue.