Deputy Chairperson, the NCOP delegated the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration to conduct a fact-finding mission to the Mohokare Local Municipality in the Free State province during the period 9 to 10 October 2008.
The main objective of the visit was to interact with the internal and external stakeholders in the municipality in order to solicit their opinions on the interventions invoked by the provincial executive councils through the office of the MEC for Local Government and Housing in terms section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.
In the municipality, the delegation of the committee had interactive and consultative meetings with the municipality's stakeholders. The main stakeholders were the administrator, the councillors and representatives from the SA Local Government Association, Salga, the Free State Youth Commission, organised labour and business forums.
The administrator indicated that the main reasons for the intervention in Mohokare Local Municipality included infighting among councillors, which resulted in the council not sitting; and allegations of fraud and misuse of funds, leading to suspensions, as well as paralysis of the council's operations.
Some of the notable achievements reported by the administrator included the creation of a now favourable climate for councillors to work together; the development and passing of the integrated development plan, IDP, and the budget; the provision of technical and systems support; the facilitation of filling of four vacant section 57 manager posts; and the introduction of systematic handling of problems and systems for effective delivery.
Some of the key challenges reported included: low morale among municipal workers; the use of contract workers to complement the workforce; ineffective management of the municipality's income-generating facilities; water supply shortages; and insufficient income generation due to depressed economic conditions.
The union affiliates comprised of Cosatu, Sadtu, Nehawu, Samwu, Numsa, Popcru and Saccawu indicated that they jointly support the intervention issued by the provincial executive council.
Having visited the Mohokare Local Municipality, the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration recommends the following: firstly, that approval be granted for the interventions issued by the Free State MEC for Local Government and Housing. Secondly, the provincial Department of Local Government and Housing should facilitate the appointment of the forensic investigation on alleged financial regularities and mismanagement in the municipality.
Thirdly, the provincial Department of Local Government and Housing should ensure fast-tracking of the appointment of section 57 managers. Fourthly, the municipality must ensure the implementation of good labour practices. Fifthly, the municipality should also facilitate the signing of performance management contracts and assessments of section 57 managers and the implementation of a code of good conduct and working relationships among councillors and officials. Sixthly, the MEC's offices are to monitor the progress of the municipality, through the scrutinising of periodic reports, which are to be copied and forwarded to the NCOP.
Lastly, the intervention is to be reviewed after a period of six months, that is, by 30 April 2009. This report is to be considered by this House. I thank you. [Applause.] Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.