Five KwaZulu-Natal municipal managers have been asked to repay more than R7-million embezzled during their terms of office.
Local government department head Zandile Nyandu said on Thursday they would have to recover the money or face court applications for recovery.
The municipalities are Okhahlamba (Bergville), Greater Kokstad, Umtshezi (Estcourt), Nqutu (near Dundee) and Mooi Mpofana.
The municipal managers and some of former mayors are accused of irregularities involving mayors’ discretionary funds, pension schemes and in the filling of management positions; interest free loans and allowances for councillors; tenders and consultants’ fees; leave pay and compensation; and the sale of prepaid electricity vouchers.
”The department initiated investigations after receiving numerous allegations of improper practices and maladministration in municipalities,” said Nyandu.
”Investigators confirmed large scale abuse of public funds and recommendations were made for municipalities to initiate civil recovery processes. However, these were not addressed and the department had to step in.” – Sapa