Parliament’s portfolio committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is set to descend on the troubled Maluti-A-Phofung local municipality in the Free State to demand answers after the entity obtained one of the worst audit findings since the advent of local governments in 1996.
The visit would take place on July 24 and 25 this year.
The pending visit was communicated by Dr Zweli Mkhize, the chairperson of the committee, in a letter addressed to the Mayor, Malekula Melato, and copied to the MEC for CoGTA in the Free State, Tebogo Mokoena.
Mkhize told the mayor that they should be ready to provide answers when the committee lands and starts asking probing questions.
“The purpose of the visit is to gather information and ensure accountability. The visit will seek explanation for any transgressions reported and seek explanation on consequences management as well as the strategy to turnaround the poor audit outcomes and dysfunctionality reported in various municipalities. It is anticipated that the PC (portfolio committee) will receive a programme of implementing Post Audit Action Plans (PAAP) to rectify shortcomings identified in AGSA and other COGTA reports.
“Kindly take note of the points highlighted in the AGSA report… you are requested to submit a written report on your response and corrective steps to ensure compliance with the constitutional requirements,” Mkhize said in his letter dated 30 June 2025.
Mkhize added that in responding to the matters, municipalities with negative audit findings are expected to give reasons why irregularity or transgressions occurred.
Thabo Khessah, the spokesperson for the mayor and the municipality confirmed that they are aware of the pending visit by the portfolio committee.
“Yes, the Executive Mayor is aware of the Portfolio Committee visit and getting ready to respond accordingly.”
