Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Cllr Lucky Dinake here
The already perilous state of the City of Ekurhuleni’s finances has been allowed to slide towards complete collapse. The potential for theft, fraud and corruption continues to increase due to the political machinations of the ANC-EFF coalition, as they wrangle over the vacancy of the Finance Committee Chairperson.
The position became vacant when the then Chairperson, Alderman Pelisa Nkunjana was elected Whip of Council in the 30 September 2024, Extraordinary Council Meeting.
The extended length of this vacancy has set a dangerous precedent by creating a vacuum of accountability.
Without the checks and balances of legislative oversight, the public purse is at the mercy of those who seek to abuse it for their own nefarious ends.
According to Rule 115 of the Council Standing Orders By-Law:
(2) Whenever the position of Chairperson of a Committee is vacant, the Council must within 30 days, from among its members, elect a Councillor to serve as a Chairperson of that committee.
When approached by the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Speaker of Council, Cllr. Nthabiseng Tshivhenga ignored her legally binding duties to place the election of this position on the agenda, and instead sought unsound legal advice.
In defence of her action, the Speaker deliberately misconstrued Rule 115 and conflated it with other rules of Council – going as far as citing the Constitution to give the ANC and EFF enough time to wrangle a deal.
The delay in the election of the Chairperson of the Committee not only affects the performance of the Committee, but has a bearing on the financial oversight and reporting function of the Council.
Through the Speaker’s inaction, the Council finds itself in contravention of Rule 115 (2) of the Standing-Orders By-Law, as the position is now vacant for over 100 days.
While the Speaker finds herself derelict in her duties, not only is the Council operating outside the law – the City of Ekurhuleni’s finances are susceptible to looting and abuse.
Residents of Ekurhuleni deserve an accountable, transparent Council, run with their best interests at heart.
The DA has written to the MEC of COGTA in the province to compel the speaker to execute her duties, and if that fails, we will consider legal action.