The struggling Trompsburg-based Kopanong Local Municipality has informed its workers, creditors and councillors that salaries meant to be paid on 30 September 2022 will be delayed due to cash problems.

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In 2021, the municipality failed to pay at least its 450 workers and creditors for at least 3 months after a Free State High Court judge attached its bank account due to debt of more than R25 million.

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In this communique seen by OFM News, issued by the acting Malefetsane Makau, he informs the workers that their monies will be paid out once the situation is resolved.

The municipality's spokesperson, Solomozi Phama, recently revealed that the municipality owed the Free State water utility at least R500 million.

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However, according to the municipal council speaker, Jerry Moitse, the municipality is reportedly owed R45 million by the government in rates and taxes.

Moitse told OFM News that the national government owes the municipality a sum of R25 million, and the remainder is owed by the provincial departments. He said on numerous occasions municipalities are dragged to the committees to explain their shortcomings but yet the same government that always preaches good governance fails to adhere to its own rules and act in accordance.

“Since 2016, we have been struggling to get the provincial and national departments to settle their accounts. There has been no change so far. It is very worrying to always hear how Kopanong municipality has no money but it is the same province that owes the council a lot of money. The committee promised to give feedback within seven days, and 6 months later nothing has happened. With R45 million, Kopanong can cover five months’ salaries and then the council does not have to use projects' funds to pay salaries,” Moitse said.

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OFM News