The Speaker of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM), Councillor (Cllr) Mzukhona Bomela, convened a Special Council Meeting today to deliberate on key financial, governance, and service delivery matters aimed at promoting accountability and improving infrastructure delivery across the district.
Council adopts report on unauthorised expenditure investigation.
Council considered the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) report, tabled by the Speaker, on the investigation into unauthorised expenditure of R78,954,132 incurred during the 2024/2025 financial year. The investigation found that the expenditure resulted from a correction of a prior-year accounting error relating to debt impairment, identified through an Auditor-General quality review. The expenditure was a non-cash adjustment and did not result in financial loss to the municipality. Council adopted the MPAC report and resolved to write off the unauthorised expenditure as irrecoverable in line with Section 32(2)(b) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
“The Council’s decision reflects our firm stance on accountability and transparency. We are not afraid to confront financial irregularities, investigate them thoroughly, and act decisively in the public’s best interest,” said the Speaker following the Council meeting.
Special Adjustment Budget for 2025/2026 approved
Council approved the Special Adjustment Budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, tabled in terms of Section 28 of the MFMA. The adjustment incorporates the revised Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) business plan approved by the Department of Water and Sanitation, the rollover of the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), and re-appropriation within the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to fast-track capital project implementation.
The revised budget introduces a new WSIG-funded water project in Ugie, aligns operational allocations, and maintains a fully funded and cash-backed position. The related amendments to the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) will ensure alignment between financial and performance targets.
“The Adjustment Budget is about improving how we deliver services to our people. Every shift and realignment in our budget is made to accelerate access to clean water, sanitation, and other essential services for our communities,” commented the Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa, following the Council meeting.
Council approves list of MIG projects for registration and future funding
Council also approved a new list of projects to be registered for funding under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for the 2026/2027 financial year. The project list, which will be submitted to the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance for registration, includes:
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Provision of Ugie Sanitation Infrastructure: Phase 1 (A) – Elundini Local Municipality
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Aliwal North Water Treatment Works: Holding Dams: Phase 1 (A) – Walter Sisulu Local Municipality
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Elundini Rural Water Programme: Phase 2 – Elundini Local Municipality
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Development of the Joe Gqabi Disaster Management Centre (Planning Project) – Senqu Local Municipality
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Development of Joe Gqabi Municipal Offices in Barkly East (Planning Project) – Senqu Local Municipality
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Construction of Mokhesi Sewer Reticulation Network – Senqu Local Municipality
The approval marks an important step toward strengthening infrastructure investment planning and ensuring that key water, sanitation, and institutional projects are positioned for funding in the next financial cycle.
Audit Committee and MPAC oversight reaffirmed
Council noted reports from the Audit Committee and Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), which reaffirmed the municipality’s progress in governance, financial management, and performance oversight. The reports highlighted strengthened internal controls and compliance with legislative frameworks.
Supply Chain Management and Cost Containment
The first-quarter Supply Chain Management report and Cost Containment report for the period ending 30 September 2025 were noted. The SCM report showed a continued reduction in procurement deviations from R26.3 million in the previous financial year to R15.7 million with no irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred. Council commended management for maintaining prudent expenditure control and compliance with National Treasury regulations.
Commitment to accountable governance
The Speaker welcomed the outcomes of the meeting, noting that the Council’s resolutions reaffirm the institution’s dedication to responsible financial management and accelerated infrastructure delivery.
“The decisions taken today demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. We are focused on ensuring that every investment translates into meaningful improvement in service delivery for our communities,” he explained.
“Our goal is to build a municipality that our residents can trust, one that manages public funds with integrity, delivers essential services efficiently, and plans for sustainable growth across all corners of the Joe Gqabi District,” the Executive Mayor concluded.
