The MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi has distanced himself from individuals who disseminate messages that seek to mislead councilors and the community of the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality about the affairs of the municipality. This follows a message disseminated allegedly by the Municipal Manager that sought to cancel a Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 23 October 2019 in Siyabuswa.
Mr Msibi says no individual has a right to speak on his behalf without his permission and that he will take punitive measures to stop such act. “I have not appointed anyone to speak on my behalf in Dr JS Moroka Municipality and therefore no one has a right to speak on my behalf. I find it uncalled for, unethical and unprofessional for anyone to issue messages on my behalf without my approval. I will act decisively against such delinquent act,” Mr Msibi warned.
The message further alluded to the forensic investigation to be instituted by COGTA. Mr Msibi says although a forensic investigation will be instituted, however, a Council sitting will be convened soon to convey the message to councilors. “The Department will be invoking Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000. I will convene a Council sitting very soon to convey this action to all Councilors. I therefore reject with the contempt that it deserves for any individual to use this piece of legislation to pursue their divisive intentions. It is uncalled for and undermines our intervention measures of supporting the Dr JS Moroka Municipality as envisaged in Section 154 of the Constitution,” Mr Msibi said.
Mr Msibi urged the leadership of the Municipality to focus on the service delivery imperatives of the community and for the community to support the initiatives of the municipality aimed at improving their lives.
Ends.
Issued by Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contacts: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Twitter: @cogtamp
Facebook: @mpucogta