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Vryburg Independent Post – November 14, 2023

The North West Provincial Legislature Committee on Cooperative Governance and SCOPA has firmly rejected the unsigned responses from Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality regarding the alleged R38 million call centre. Both committees, chaired by Hon. Aaron Motswana, expressed disappointment in the district municipality’s inability to provide a clear account of the processes leading to the awarding of the controversial contract. The Executive Mayor, Cllr. Motseokae Maje, faced scrutiny as the Committees condemned the municipality’s “arrogant and irresponsible” conduct. The Committees demanded a comprehensive report, including evidence of each transaction and details on the tender process, by Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Hon. Motswana urged the Mayor to cooperate fully and investigate the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

Executive Mayor Cllr. Maje acknowledged the Committees’ concerns, assuring them of the municipality’s commitment to investigating the matter. Motshabi Attorneys have been appointed for the inquiry. Mayor Maje promised full cooperation with law enforcement agencies and the Committees, pledging to submit a detailed report promptly. In response to the stern critique from the North West Legislature Committee on Cooperative Governance and SCOPA, Executive Mayor Cllr. Motseokae Maje of Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality expressed appreciation for the Committees’ diligence in probing the alleged R38 million call centre controversy. Mayor Maje assured the Committees of the municipal council’s commitment to a thorough investigation into the matter, with Motshabi Attorneys spearheading the inquiry. While facing questions about the initiation of the Mokhukhu Call Centre project during previous terms, Mayor Maje stood firm, noting the challenges of responding on behalf of predecessors. He emphasized the municipality’s readiness to cooperate fully with both the Committees and law enforcement agencies, conveying a tone of acknowledgment of the seriousness of the allegations and a commitment to transparency and accountability in resolving the issues at hand.

Committee members, including Hon. P. Williams and Hon. M. Tshwaile, criticized the district municipality’s failure to answer questions adequately. They highlighted discrepancies in bid evaluation records, the absence of refurbishment at the call centre site, and the opening of a criminal case due to the awarded company not meeting requirements. The Committees stressed their dedication to eradicating corruption and improving service delivery in the North West Province. Hon. M. Chwaile, a member of the North West Legislature Committee on Cooperative Governance and SCOPA, delivered incisive remarks during the meeting regarding the alleged R38 million call centre tender irregularities in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. Expressing dissatisfaction with the district’s responses, Hon. Chwaile emphasized the importance of accurate and detailed information to address the controversy. Characterizing the presented report as mere rumor, Hon. Chwaile highlighted the district’s failure to answer critical questions. The member stressed the significance of the Committees’ work in holding the district accountable, suggesting that the district council should have fulfilled this responsibility. Hon. Chwaile’s remarks underscored a commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability in the handling of public funds within the North West Province.

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Hon. Aaron Motswana, Chairperson of the North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Premier, Finance, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, played a pivotal role in the meeting addressing the alleged R38 million call centre tender irregularities in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality. Expressing disappointment over the unsigned responses from the district municipality, Hon. Motswana, also Acting Chairperson of SCOPA, stressed the need for comprehensive and accurate information. He rejected the municipality’s excuse regarding the documentation being at the Auditor General’s Office, asserting that copies should be available within the municipal document cloud system. Hon. Motswana emphasized the Committees’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption in the North West Province. His remarks underscored the demand for a thorough investigation and cooperation from the district municipality to provide detailed reports on the alleged irregularities.

Hon. Aaron Motswana stated, “The district municipality has failed to respond to the controversy surrounding the R38 million makeshift call centre. We vehemently reject the municipality’s excuse that documentation of the contract is at the Auditor General’s Office. We urge the Executive Mayor Motseokae Maje to return to the Committees with a full comprehensive report with a portfolio of evidence on each transaction, how the tender was advertised, and the process plan on appointments done. The municipality did, however, confirm the tender was for R38m, and we are also pleased that the Mayor has promised to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the Committees as well as investigate the matter.”

As the Committees await the municipality’s comprehensive report, tensions remain high, with the municipality under intense scrutiny for its handling of public funds and procurement processes. The media and the public anticipate further revelations and actions as this saga unfolds.

-The VIP Team

-NWPL

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