The Phokwane local municipality in the Northern Cape has paid a salary of more than R1-million to a suspended municipal manager who has not been working for more than two years, the South African Broadcasting Corporation website reported on Wednesday.
The official was suspended in July 2003 for allegedly purchasing vehicles to the value of R2-million for municipal officials, contrary to the municipality’s policies and procedures.
The report said the municipality is one of the 18 Northern Cape municipalities under Project Consolidate. The project is a hands-on engagement by national and provincial departments with local government aimed at strengthening implementation capacity, according to the government website.
Meanwhile, some areas within Phokwane do not have electricity and some residents still live in mud houses, according to the report.
It added that Kgosto Mooketsi, the suspended municipal manager, was apathetic when asked about the situation.
”I’m not bothered … I’m carrying on with my life. Every month I get a salary… and that’s it.”
He also reportedly said he is not looking for a new job.
”I was offered a job in the Gauteng provincial government, but then I was not interested,” he said.
Monnagaaratwe Modimogale, the Phokwane mayor, acknowledged that Mooketsi’s case has dragged on for too long. The mayor said he wants a speedy resolution, the report said.
A charge sheet was compiled and given to the prosecutor and the presiding officer, but the case was never concluded, said Modimogale.
Mooketsi will continue to earn a salary until the end of the year, the report added. — Sapa