Tshwane completes R13bn irregular expenditure probe
Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has given a progress report on the metro’s efforts to tackle a R13 billion unauthorised, irregular, and wasteful expenditure backlog.
Moya delivered the city’s six-month progress briefing at Tshwane House on Thursday.
She said progress was made by strengthening political oversight to address the concerns the Auditor General of South Africa flagged.
Tshwane received a qualified audit opinion, marking the third consecutive year of unfavourable findings.
READ MORE: Tshwane AG report: ‘Incompetent’ management to blame
“This intensified political scrutiny has already resulted in R11.7 billion of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure investigations being completed,” the mayor said.
“We are expecting to conclude R1 billion more worth of UIFW expenditure investigations by the end of the 2024/25 financial year. This is leaps and bounds ahead when compared to the mere R1.2 billion worth investigated in the previous financial year,” she added.
The city has also taken a tough stance against misconduct, taking decisive steps in consequence management.
According to the mayor, 85 officials have been dismissed for offenses ranging from sexual harassment and rape, fraud, corruption, bribery, theft, and dereliction of duty.
Over 900 cases have been referred to the financial disciplinary board, up from 70 in February this year.
“We have formally referred a former Section 79 chairperson to the (Council) Speaker for investigation into the violation of city procurement policies and procedures. Investigations have concluded into five officials for their mismanagement of Refilwe and Cullinan stadiums. The officials have been issued with letters of intention to suspend.”
Moya said the names of eight companies are in the process of being submitted to the National Treasury for backlisting after being terminated or failing to perform.
READ: Tshwane asks Treasury to blacklist Edwin Sodi's companies
“The city has, on several occasions, made attempts to hand-deliver Letters of Intent to restrict/blacklist in accordance with National Treasury prescripts. However, these attempts have been unsuccessful as the contractors have since vacated.
“Upon legal advice, the city will proceed with steps to have these companies backlisted in absentia and restore integrity to our panel of service providers,” Moya added.
The metro’s budget allocates additional resources to Group Audit and Risk, where R36 million has been set aside for forensic investigations in our fight against corruption.
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