Almost 80 municipal officers being disciplined for financial misconduct

National Treasury says disciplinary processes have been started against 79 municipal officials for financial misconduct in 15 municipalities for the 2020/21 financial year.

The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality accounts for the bulk of these, with disciplinary processes instituted against 29 people during the period.

These figures came to light when Treasury responded to parliamentary questions from DA MP Cilliers Brink.

According to the department the officials include two chief financial officers, seven cashiers and an array of revenue officers, debt collectors, clerks and managers.

If the alleged financial misconduct constitutes a financial offence in terms of Section 173 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, charges have to be laid against the person concerned with the South African Police Service (Saps).

This is in line with Regulation 16(1) of the Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct Procedures and Criminal Proceedings

Municipalities must also report in their annual reports all suspensions, disciplinary or criminal proceedings instituted in cases of financial misconduct to different stakeholders.

These include the MEC for local government in the province, the national department responsible for local government, the relevant provincial treasury, National Treasury and the Auditor-General.

Municipality	Officials facing disciplinary action
Alfred Nzo District Municipality	Debt Collection Officer; Revenue Officer and Senior Debtors Clerk
Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality	Chief Financial Officer
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality	Head of Supply Chain Management
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality	Acting Group Executive Director (4) and Acting Director
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality	Cashiers (7), Sub-Accountant; Administrators (2) ; Administrative Assistant ; Senior Clerk; Executive Managers (2); Accountant; Admin Officer; Senior Manager (2); Senior Clerk; Clerk; Manager (6) and Admin Assistant
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality	Senior Manager; Project Executives, a total of 29 officials have been charged and disciplined
Okhahlamba Local Municipality	Cashier
Alfred Duma Local Municipality	Chief Financial Officer; Debt Collector Legal
uPhongolo Local Municipality	Senior Managers (2)
Collins Chabane Local Municipality	Manager Revenue; Manager Supply Chain Management; Manager Planning and Development
Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality	Executive Manager Technical Services; Supply Chain Manager; and Executive Manager: Community Services
Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality	Divisional Managers (2)
Polokwane Local Municipality	Assistant
Thaba Chweu Local Municipality	Supply Chain Manager
George Municipality	Director: Corporate Services and Director: Community Services

* Palesa Mofokeng is a Moneyweb intern.