By REGINALD KANYANE
The embattled Mamusa Local Municipality said it welcomes the North West MEC for Finance, Matlalepula Rosho’s decision to bring the Provincial Exco Representative (PER) at their municipality. Recently, Rosho introduced Ellen Malephoi Mocho as part of Financial Recovery Plan at the municipality.
The Mamusa Local Municipality continued to be marred with mismanagement and political interference allegations over the years. In a statement, Mamusa Local Municipality mayor, Seitebaleng Chelechele said Moncho has already commenced with her work since 1 February 2024.
“She will be here until the municipal financial situation has improved. Mocho has a full support and cooperation of all councillors and staff members. It is important to note that, the municipality was not mandated, but voluntarily requested this intervention from the provincial treasury.
“So, this intervention will assist the municipality to make decisions that will be in line with the FRP in order to turn around its financial situation for the betterment of the communities. It is not Moncho’s first assignment as she has in the past, been deployed in Tswaing Local Municipality for the same purpose,” said Chelechele.
She further said her impact was pivotal in the affairs of that municipality. Chelechele added that, they have no doubt that, Moncho will also do the same at their municipality.
Meanwhile, in 17 April 2023, Rosho introduced the PERs to various municipalities that were under mandatory intervention to implement FRPs. She highlighted that, the Executive Council has resolved to place Naledi Local Municipality, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Madibeng Local Municipality, Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Tswaing Local Municipality, Ditsobotla Local Municipality and Mahikeng Local Municipality under mandatory intervention in line with Section 139(5) (a) and (c) of the constitution, read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
“Maquassi Hills Local Municipality has been placed under discretionary intervention. The PERs act on behalf of the Executive Council and are placed at each municipality to provide strategic leadership and guidance for the implementation FRP.
“The process to appoint the PERs started in 2019 and appointments were effected at the end of 2022/2023 financial year. The PERs have been appointed for period of three years, which involved a comprehensive transparent due processes,” she said.
Rosho said the PERs are required to ensure that municipalities will ultimately create a conducive environment to generate income, comply to financial legislations and improve service delivery. She said the PERs will report to her department and the North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA).
“They are required amongst others to do quality assurance of monthly and quarterly review reports, which will be processed by the MECs for EXCO’s attention, maintain a record of decision making processes taken by the municipal councils and accounting officer.
“They will also have to ensure that appropriate corrective measures and control measures are taken, assist in the recruitment and selection processes for the appointment of senior managers and accounting officers, as well as provide strategic participation and stakeholder engagements in the affairs of the municipality,” said Rosho.
The Guardian 