We refer to the above subject.
I am very disappointed in the manner in which Mr Viljoen writes about me and the Municipality in the newspaper. The information share by Mr Viljoen to gain support for his intended march is absolutely false and misleading.
I find this manner of information dissemination only intending to incite communities against the Municipality. Whilst Mr Viljoen has a case on the issue of property rates, I think it is just fair to him to stick to the matter as the Municipality and the Department of Local Government and Housing as well as Provincial Treasury are engaging him in this matter. It is therefore absolutely absurd to incite the community by telling those lies about my annual allowance and that my previous employer pays me a salary. I don’t think there is any company in their right minds that pay someone a salary when they work somewhere else. Mr Viljoen must look at other avenues rather than to instigate people through lies. On the matter of the R3.6 million a report was submitted by myself to Council on my follow ups on the investigations. There is proof of the letter that I have written to the MEC of Treasury for the release of the report of the investigation by the Special Investigation Unit. The Municipality is pursuing the matter.
Mr Viljoen knows very well that the Rooiberg water pipeline alteration was made in 2005 before we took office; however when we found out the corruption that took place we filed disciplinary charges against the previous Municipal Manager and Technical Services Manager.
The two have since resigned from the Municipality in 2006.
We have acted against all affected employees in the matter.
It is very strange for the Chairperson of such an important stakeholder to manipulate information for support of his intended march.
My office remains open for any members of our Community to verify any information instead of being lied to by people with malicious political agendas.
We will embark on an information session to our communities and we encourage all community members black and white to attend.
It is hoped that the above situation is understood.
Matlou NL.
MAYOR, Thabazimbi Local Municipality
