The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested that the Western Cape Provincial Treasury investigates two municipal officials who travelled to France to watch the Rugby World Cup final.
Also read: 520 government officials probed for corruption worth R1.2 billion
John Michels, the deputy mayor of Theewaterskloof Municipality and speaker Derick Appel reportedly planned to visit embassies and discuss potential project partners during their trip.
DA Constituency Head Isaac Sileku told TimesLIVE that the party took note of a letter addressed to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation by the municipal manager, which requested approval for the trip. The trip would also include a visit to the United Kingdom to meet the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club.
Due to this, Sileko questioned whether the trip was being undertaken ‘under the guise of an official state visit’, and demanded an explanation from the municipality.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these amazing offers inspire you. Get them here.
In response, Mayor Mary Liebenberg denied that taxpayers funded the trip on the municipality’s Facebook page, stating that the DA made mistakes in a poster in which they ‘attacked office bearers in Theewaterskloof Municipality’, adding that it is an attempt to ‘score early election points’.
‘The DA’s Head of Theewaterskloof Constituency, Mister Isaac Sileku, requested Theewaterskloof Municipality to explain the visit of the Speaker and the Deputy Mayor of the local municipality to France.’
‘The municipality did not pay for any of their expenses and did not send them. They decided that whilst they’re in France, they would, on their own accord, visit embassies and potential project partners to investigate and forge opportunities for Theewaterskloof Municipality and the people of this municipal area.’
‘They will also discuss sporting opportunities for the youth of Theewaterskloof with rugby and other role-players.’
However, Sileku says the visit raises ethical and financial concerns if used as a guise to attend the Rugby World Cup.
‘We have requested the provincial treasury to investigate this matter to determine whether this excursion genuinely serves the interests of the people of Theewaterskloof and whether municipal funds in the form of daily allowances or otherwise have been paid to the officials.’
Looking for a deal on a car, but tight on a budget? Have a look at these offers for under R100 000. View the deals here.
Also read:
Crime, corruption and sabotage are the biggest issues that Eskom face
Picture: Leonardo Yip / Unsplash
