Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Diphapang Mofokeng and Afrikaans by Cllr Anelia Smit
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is committed to ensuring that the Nketoana Council’s decision to reject the mayor’s request for a new car is enforced, prioritising the community’s essential needs. At a time when the municipality is grappling with severe water shortages caused by both the Lesotho Highlands Project closure and widespread mismanagement, this focus on unnecessary luxury items is unacceptable.
Currently, the mayor already has a vehicle, which remains unused due to minor repairs. The council highlighted this fact while also addressing financial practices, including an ongoing criminal investigation related to petrol card fraud and exorbitant expenditures on a hired vehicle for the mayor. Moreover, the request for a new vehicle lacked transparency, as no supporting report was presented. As a result, the Council resolved that the existing car should be repaired rather than approving a costly new purchase and issued a stern warning against reckless spending on official vehicles.
The DA will closely monitor the Council’s adherence to this resolution, ensuring that taxpayer money is directed towards critical community services instead of luxury expenses. We assure residents that the DA is fully committed to safeguarding resources and focusing on improving water supply and service delivery to all communities.