The Makana United Civic Movement (MUCM) has promised to conduct a thorough forensic audit of the Makana municipality's finances and a skills assessment of its employees if they are elected. Len Kruiskamp, a former Rhodes University financial accountant and risk manager, outlined these plans at a public meeting on October 22. He cited the municipality's concerning financial record, including seven consecutive disclaimers from the Auditor-General due to insufficient evidence to form an opinion on its financial books.
Kruiskamp highlighted the extent of financial irregularities, stating that irregular expenditure totals approximately R407 million, unauthorised expenditure stands at R780 million, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure amounts to R4.7 million. He expressed concern that the current financial situation is unclear, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability. The 2024/25 audit report, tabled in council on March 3, marked the seventh consecutive disclaimer.
The MUCM's plan involves assigning responsibility for each audit finding to a specific official, setting deadlines, and implementing consequences for non-compliance. The movement also aims to tie debts owed to the municipality to specific names and amounts and base budgets on actual collections. Additionally, they plan to provide monthly financial reports that residents can easily follow. Kruiskamp emphasised the need to recover funds paid out for incomplete work, targeting senior managers as the primary problem.
Geoff Embling, a maths teacher and Ward 4 candidate, spoke on behalf of Advocate John McConnachie, who was unable to attend. Embling noted that the municipality employs around 700 people, most of whom lack the necessary qualifications for their positions. He stated that a skills audit would begin with employees who are most mismatched to their roles. Furthermore, Embling mentioned that numerous employees are due for disciplinary hearings, which have not been held, and that the municipality spends millions on lawyers due to its failure to settle disputes.
The MUCM also plans to audit municipal land, including 24,000 hectares of farmland. During the public meeting, questions were raised about enforcing accountability and addressing issues with senior management. Kruiskamp assured that they would take action immediately, but first, proper contracts and procedures must be established. Ward 13 candidate Mfundo Tsili asked how the movement would prevent staff from delaying repairs, such as fixing burst pipes. Kruiskamp responded that he would hold managers accountable, stating, "The first person I fire is the manager."
Residents expressed concerns about coalition formations and the role of a civic movement in governance. Kruiskamp clarified that MUCM would not form coalitions but would vote with any party on proposals they deem right. He emphasised that MUCM is standing only in Makana, as it is not a political party. Nola Elliot, a retired credit manager and MUCM member, estimated that 70% of the municipality's debtors' book is uncollectable, citing her late mother's account as an example.
The MUCM's proposals aim to address the municipality's financial and administrative challenges. Tim Bull, with a background in residents' associations, noted that Makana is still under a financial recovery plan approved by the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2022. He urged the winning parties to ensure that the plan is presented to all councillors and acted upon. The MUCM's plans will be put to the test as they seek to "break the power of the current party" and bring about change in the Makana municipality.
Key points
- MUCM promises to conduct a forensic audit of Makana municipality's finances and a skills assessment of its employees if elected.
- The municipality faces significant financial irregularities, including R407 million in irregular expenditure and R780 million in unauthorised expenditure.
- MUCM aims to increase transparency and accountability, with plans to tie debts to specific names and amounts and provide monthly financial reports.
