Msunduzi defends R28m splash for officials' security detail
Msunduzi's Municipal Manager has defended the city's spending of around R28 million for bodyguards for members of the executive council and councillors.
According to recent media reports, the struggling municipality forks out around R600 000 a month for the protection of a handful of senior officials.
The protection service comprises 13 armed bodyguards.
Other costs covered by Msunduzi include the use of 30 security vehicles.
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Municipal Manager, Madoda Khathide says there was nothing untoward in them hiring these services.
"Looking at the tariffs that we are being charged - that is what the market is offering.
"Why are we not buying our own vehicles? Who will pay overtime for those vehicles? Who will pay for petrol? Who will pay for tires? We will have to follow the normal procurement processes, and it takes time.
"We do understand the fact that we are utilising the public funds, but it's over-exaggerated."
The municipality was placed under administration last year - as a result of maladministration and irregular expenditure - among other issues.
