Staff Reporter
Parys – The Administrator at Ngwathe Local Municipality, Dr Solly Motingoe, is on his way out, hardly weeks after his appointment.
Dr Motingoe was appointed by Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, MEC for COGTA, following the dissolution of the council after AfriForum’s victory in court.
Insiders say Dr Motingoe is sticking to the principle of clean governance, hence he is being targeted.
According to the Annual Financial Statements, Dr Motingoe has refused to write off R170 million in Wasteful and Fruitless Expenditure (R153 million) – from R105 million the previous year and Irregular Expenditure (R14 million).- R400 million written off the previous year. Read that again slowly!
Instead, he deferred the write-off to the incoming council after the elections.
“To the above, the Audit Committee supported the write-offs of (i) Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure amounting to R153 778 849,38 and (ii) the Irregular Expenditure amounting to R14 887 117,64 to be considered by the Municipal Administrator.
The item for the UIFWE write-offs was subsequently tabled in a Municipal Council Meeting, wherein the Municipal Administrator was expected to approve or decline the write-offs. However, the Municipal Administrator suggested that the write-offs be dispensed by the incoming Municipal Council after the November 2026 Local Elections.”
What is of grave concern is that no one is being held accountable.
“Both the DC Board and the Audit Committee could not hold anyone accountable for the UIFWE incurred as the expenditure was due to the non-cash items resulting in the interest and penalties incurred from the ESKOM debt, SARS, DWS, and Rand Water.
This was due to the municipality being unable to pay the accounts within 30 days due to its low cash flow position.”
Insiders say Dr Motingoe was set up for failure as he was sent alone and had to co-opt the very same officials fingered in the demise of the municipality.
This is Ngwathe! We will show why it’s under administration, we will itemised all litigation pending and costs n due corse..
Dr Solly Motingoe couldn’t be reached for a comment.
Support Independent Journalism
Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.
If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.
Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703
If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731
Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.
More Stories
Cashiers pocket R1 million for “erroneously occupied graves” in Dihlabeng, no action a year later
Human Settlements accused of Agriculture 2.0
SPOTTED | Masemene takes the war to Mathae