Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sotho soundbites by Cllr Diphapang Mofokeng.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nketoana Local Municipality succeeds in convincing the ANC-led council to not approve an R1,5 million per month tender for security services. After much persuasion, the DA was able to influence the council to reject the tender report.
The Speaker recently tabled a report to obtain permission to hire a private security company to provide armed security on certain posts identified as critical. According to the report, 15 critical posts were identified that need one armed guard each totalling 15 guards, overnight only, at an amount totalling R1,5 million per month for 36 months. The tender would amount to a whopping R54 million cost to the municipality.
The ANC-led council tried to accept the report, using its majority and after caucusing several times with officials to get it passed. The DA rejected this outright. We were resolute and used every option to justify its rejection.
The Chief Financial Officer confirmed that this item is not budgeted for, and the DA warned him that should the ANC use its majority to push this through, it would result in unauthorized expenditure.
A local private security company previously provided a quote for armed private security for 25 posts at a monthly cost of R 300 000. Despite the fact that they were more cost-effective, this company was not considered. The company has extensive experience in the field and provides security for the majority of the farms, schools, land and buildings, and private homes in and around our municipality.
The DA will continue to play meaningful oversight on service delivery in Nketoana especially when it comes to taxpayers’ money. The vision of a better future is what the DA shares with all residents of Nketoana. It is only through the DA that we will get things done.