The payment of about R22 million by Mogale City to companies not listed on its service provider database must be investigated, the DA said on Friday.

“Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane must commission an inquiry into the financial affairs of Mogale City municipality,” said Democratic Alliance local government spokesman Fred Nel.

The Star reported on Monday that the municipality failed to report the expenditure to a full council sitting for its approval.

According to its report on the 2010 expenditure administrative perspective, drafted by municipal manager Dan Mashitisho, the over-expenditure happened when the municipality was preparing to host Portugal for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mashitisho, with mayoral permission, agreed to spend R1.5 million to accommodate the Portuguese team at the Valley Lodge on the West Rand.

The DA in Mogale City said the money could have helped the council when it was struggling financially and considering applying for a R191 million bank loan to complete capital projects.

Nel said local government MEC Humphrey Mmemezi would not be the appropriate person to commission such an investigation given the allegations of financial misconduct levelled against him.

Mmemezi is currently the subject of a probe by the ruling ANC in the province over allegations relating to the use of his official credit card and vehicle.

In response to the DA’s call for an investigation into Mogale City’s finances, Mokonyane’s spokesman Xoli Mngambi said: “The main opposition in the province knows the correct channels through which to raise such matters. Ttherefore, the premier will not talk to the DA through the media.”

Asked whether there were any new developments relating to the Mmemezi investigation, he said: “Lastly, the premier is yet to pronounce on matters relating to MEC Humphrey Mmemezi, and we await her determination.”

Mogale City is a municipal area west of Johannesburg that includes towns such as Krugersdorp.

Source: Sapa