Mokoena forced HS to blow R724k on an Egypt trip despite budget warning

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein — The Free State Department of Human Settlements spent a staggering R724 639,36 on an Egyptian trip after MEC Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena disregarded warnings from the then Head of Department over budget constraints.

According to a submission authored by Carol Tladi, Chief Director for Planning, and approved by Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, seen by this publication, the department initially indicated that it did not have sufficient funds for the international trip despite planning to send four officials.

The proposed delegation included:

• Teboho Mokoena
• Zimasa Mbewu
• Carol Tladi
• Lindelwa Dabi

Former Head of Department Mosa Masemene, who at the time held accounting and financial authority, approved funding only for the MEC, citing insufficient budget.

Masemene further indicated that she would have included herself in the trip, but could not, “in good conscience”, authorise additional expenditure given the department’s financial position.

However, Mokoena came out guns blazing in response to Masemene’s reservations.

“International trips are approved at Executive level not AO,” wrote Mokoena.

He further argued that:

• Departments should budget for such trips or seek guidance from Treasury,

• the delegation is determined by the Executive Authority and not the Accounting Officer,

• ⁠and the interface between the Executive Authority (EA) and Accounting Officer (AO) “is not understood by AO”.

Mokoena concluded the correspondence by declaring:

“The submission is a written directive.”

The trip, which was initially projected to cost around R241 000 for a limited delegation, ultimately ballooned to over R724 000.

An auditor who spoke on condition of anonymity put the blame on Mokoena and Mathae.

“The MEC and Premier only have the power to approve that an International trip can happen after thorough consideration of the availability of the budget.

The Accounting Officer is the only responsible authority who can determine whether the are funds available to engage in any expenditure.”

She concluded by saying the MEC who approves expenditure without concern from Head of Department is committing a serious misconduct.

“Any Executive Authority who approves expenditure without the express consent of the Accounting Officer is committing a serious financial misconduct in terms of the PFMA.

The HOD was supposed to have reported this matter to PROPAC at the Legislature and to the Auditor General.”

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