NEWLY elected Matlosana mayor, Maetu Kgaile has rubbished claims by the DA in the area that she planned a lavish R1m inauguration bash for the new council.

Mateu, the first female mayor in Klerksdorp was accused of wanting to indulge friends and pals at the expense of the taxpayers.

While acknowledging that the inauguration party is coming on September 9, Kgaile said it will cost less than R200 000.

“The City of Matlosana can confirm that on 9 September 2016, they will be inaugurating its first female Executive Mayor, Cllr Maetu Kgaile. This is a historic event for the City, hence it is important to have a ceremony or a special event to mark the beginning of her term of office,” she said.

“Inauguration is not something new, it is an ancient way of inducting a leader into the system by communicating intentions, mission, values and strategies to the community at large. The inauguration committee budget plan was presented before council, subjecting the plan for approval.

I can allude that the inauguration committee is continuing with preparations for the event and that the budget is less than R200 000,” Kgaile added.

The mayor pointed out that the R1m was a figment of the DA’s imagination and such claims should be dismissed.

The DA’s Maritha Coetzee said that her party’s objections to stop a lavish party in Jouberton had been overruled by the ANC majority.

She alleged that the mayor and acting municipal manager had planned to host about 8 000 people and fears were that this will cost R1m.

“Contradictory to Treasury MFMA  Circular 82 which states that “excessive and wasteful expenditure has to be reduced” and “restrictions is placed on conferences, catering, entertainment and social functions” the ANC-led council approved this exorbitant and wasteful expenditure.

“This circular also warns against financing of social functions by any suppliers or sponsors.  Nevertheless the ANC is awaiting donations from ABSA and ESKOM respectively, stating that information regarding these donations will be revealed at the next council sitting – which will only happen after the planned inauguration,” Coetzee said.

She added that the ANC had no intention to ensure that public funds are appropriately utilized or to address economic challenges.

“The DA is shocked by ANC remarks that “R1 million is not a lot of money”. We disagree and are convinced it can at least contribute in repairing or replacing much needed service delivery vehicles for a start.

“This is just another way of how the ANC fails the people of Matlosana. In an area where poverty and unemployment are huge challenges, luxuries like this party is a disgrace to the people of the area,” she said.

Source: http://www.thenewage.co.za