Update

GEORGE NEWS - A complaint of financial misconduct and financial offences allegedly committed by the municipal manager of the Garden Route District Municipality, Monde Stratu, has been submitted for investigation to the WC Minister of Local Government Anton Bredell, and to both provincial and national treasury, among others, by a group that calls itself the Garden Route Corruption Busters (GRCB).

"Minister Bredell and the Department of Local Government is studying it [GRCB's letter] and have engaged the municipality on the steps to be taken going forward," said Wouter Kriel, spokesperson for Bredell.

GRCB secretary Renette Kumm described the group as voluntary, consisting of mostly retired women from diverse backgrounds including accounting, legal, business and municipal, living in the Garden Route. 

"We have become increasingly concerned about corruption undermining service delivery in Garden Route local governments and the district and have decided to fill the gap as a civil society voice in district-wide municipal issues," said Kumm.

In reference to their complaint, Kumm said, "It is GRCB's first complaint submitted for investigation and action in compliance with good governance principles and local government legislation and regulations".

In the 18-page document, GRCB claims that Stratu, during his five-year term as MM, earned approximately R4,8-million in excess of the maximum permitted salary package for a MM of a category five municipality, and they believe him to be guilty of financial misconduct as well as a financial offence. 

"Not only did Mr Stratu deliberately incur irregular expenditure, but he personally benefitted from the irregular expenditure. We therefore request you to ensure that the matter is tabled before Council within seven days of receipt hereof and that Financial Misconduct proceedings be instituted," reads the conclusion statement in the document.

In response to queries in this regard, Mayor Memory Booysen said the allegations are taken in a very serious light as they might have long-term implications for both Council and the municipal manager. 

"However, the claims reveal nothing new and processes followed are not unknown to the Garden Route District Municipality, the Western Cape Provincial Government, the National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Auditor-General, National Treasury and all relevant parties. 

"The remuneration of the municipal manager has always been in the public domain," Booysen said. "Council will apply its mind on the matter and only then will a full and balanced comment be available on the matter."

Booysen confirmed that an item regarding the MM's salary package will serve in Council today, Friday 27 May. 

The council meeting will be live-streamed at 11:00 on the municipality's official YouTube channel.

Mayor Memory Booysen (left) and MM Monde Stratu during Booysen's receipt of the mayoral chain. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

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