Calls for map councillors to further studies

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – There are emerging calls for Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality to furnish the office of the speaker with the highest qualifications, in order to enable assist them to further their studies.
The calls come in the wake of a scathing letter from Auditor General, which accuses councilors of failure to play their oversight role.

The Speaker of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality Mandlankosi Dlamini said his request is in compliance with AG ‘s letter who questioned the level of councilors’ education, and what can be done to assist them to perform their duties.

Dlamini also raised concern at councilors’ reluctance to disclose their level of education citing that they have not applied for their position but were voted for by communities who trusted them with the job at hand.
Dlamini’s request follows the Auditor General’s scathing report about Maluti-A-Phofung local municipality councilors’ failure to play their oversight role. This, after the municipality’s failure to submit financial statements, thereby rendering it one of worst performing municipalities.

“I know you are reluctant to submit your qualifications to the speaker’s office but this time they are needed because even AG has highlighted that. We need to know what qualifications you each have so that we can assist those who need to enroll to further their studies.”
His sentiments were shared by councilor Paratlane Motloung who highlighted the importance of addressing contents of a letter written by AG to the council.

Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality Speaker Mandlankosi Dlamini.

“Speaker I am more interested in the item of Auditor General. It is a very important matter that needed to be heard because AG holds us accountable. AG complained about our failure to play our oversight role hence suspicion that it could because of some lack of knowledge,” Dlamini said during a council sitting on August 29, 2024.

“If you remember she has written to almost all structures, from Premier, provincial treasury and national treasury about this matter of irregularity and the issue of record keeping. So we were supposed to develop a plan that we will be able to monitor as council. That is critical, I suggest that item comes immediately to show we are serious.”