Lekwa Local Municipality has noted with concern recent statements issued by the Democratic Alliance (DA) concerning matters relating to the administration and governance of the Municipality.
The Municipality is concerned about what appears to be a growing practice of taking matters relating to the internal processes and deliberations of Council to various media platforms, including radio stations and social media platforms. Of particular concern is that such matters are being publicised even while they remain subject to consideration and determination through the appropriate municipal structures and processes.
The Municipality rejects the suggestion that the extension of the scope of the service provider responsible for the preparation of the Annual Financial Statements was undertaken outside the applicable legislative framework.
The Municipality followed the applicable processes and requirements provided for in the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), together with the relevant regulations and circulars. The matter was duly subjected to the appropriate municipal processes and was subsequently considered and supported by Council.
It is therefore important to correct the impression created by the DA that the extension of scope was undertaken without the requisite consideration or approval.
The Municipality further wishes to clarify that once a report is tabled before the Council, it becomes an item of the Council.
The Municipality is particularly concerned by the recurring practice of releasing or publicising municipal information while matters are still being processed through Council and its established structures. This is not an isolated occurrence. Similar concerns arose in relation to the Skills Audit Report, appointment of the Chief Financial Officer and other matters that were placed in the public domain while still undergoing consideration through the appropriate municipal processes.
The Municipality recognises and respects the role of political parties and councillors in exercising oversight, asking questions and holding the administration accountable. Such oversight is an essential component of democratic local government. However, such oversight should be exercised with due regard for, and mutual respect for, established institutional processes, particularly where matters remain under consideration by Council or its committees.
The Municipality is of the view that legitimate differences of opinion regarding Council matters should be addressed through the appropriate institutional mechanisms, rather than through premature public pronouncements that may create inaccurate or misleading perceptions about the Municipality and its processes.
Lekwa Local Municipality remains firmly committed to good governance, sound financial management, transparency, and accountability.