DA wants inquiry into eThekwini’s R30m legal battle
The Democratic Alliance in eThekwini has called
for an investigation by the Financial Misconduct Board, after the
municipality's protracted 13-year legal battle with a former service provider
came to an end last week.
In 2013, the Constitutional Court ruled that the city's termination of the business contract had been unfair.
Last week, the court dismissed the municipality’s latest bid to appeal.
The city has been ordered to pay R30 million to the former service provider.
The DA's Thabani Mthethwa felt that City Manager Musa Mbhele should be held to account.
"Every cent of the city prioritises service delivery. So, if there's money that is being spent on something else, it directly affects the level at which the city provides services to the people.
READ: eThekwini ordered to pay R30m to ex-service provider
"Whether it's R100 or R30 million, that money should be prioritising service delivery."
Mthethwa said the party is not saying the manager is guilty, but a solution is needed.
"We are saying, in light of the court judgment, the matter must be referred to the Financial Misconduct Board, which deals with investigating cases related to the finances of the city," he said.
"That investigation must be done. The outcome of which must form the possible way forward for the city and its manager."
eThekwini has acknowledged the court ruling but said it could not comment on the legal fees as the matter dates back over a decade.
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