The financially strained Emfuleni Local Municipality has spent over R15 million in the past five financial years (2019-2024), paying 65 service providers for maintenance and grass-cutting services at graveyards. This spending is concerning, as the municipality has a Parks and Recreation Department equipped with full-time employees and the necessary equipment to handle these tasks. The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands answers on why the duties of existing staff are being outsourced at an additional cost to the municipality.
Despite millions spent, the state of Emfuleni graveyards remains appalling. They are neglected and unsafe, with overgrown grass creating a dangerous environment that fosters criminal activities such as robbery, rape, and murder.
This information was revealed by Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Jacob Mamabolo in a written reply to the DA’s question tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
See full reply here.
This is a case of double dipping because Emfuleni is adequately capacitated in handling graveyard maintenance and grass cutting. The appointment of external service providers to carry out this function is a waste of money. Employees of Parks and Recreation should be doing their work instead of exploiting this municipality, which continues to pay them for unrendered services.
This is another indication that Gauteng municipalities have gone astray under the Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government, which has been rubber-stamping poor financial management and irresponsible spending at the expense of our people.
The DA will table questions to MEC Mamabolo regarding the responsibilities of current staff, especially considering the outsourcing of their function.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure that municipalities are well-resourced and encouraged to render cleaning services at our graveyards. If outsourcing is necessary, we will prevent double dipping to ensure that municipalities and their residents get value for what they are paying for.