Councillors of the cash-strapped Letsemeng Municipality have been accused of splashing almost R200 000 on a three-day trip.

An invoice given to OFM News indicates R194 580 was spent on accommodation, flights, and car rentals for the chief whip, speaker, and councillor, who is an exco member. The three councillors of the Koffiefontein-based municipality boarded a flight from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg and rented a vehicle each to travel to Boksburg. They were there from 3 to 6 September. It's understood they attended the National Members Assembly of Salga.

The cost of their accommodation, food, and beverages was R55 050, with each person charged R18 350 for the duration of the trip. R14 500 was paid for each councillor's return flight between Bloemfontein and Kempton Park, whilst R70 650 was spent on car rentals. 

The three cars rented were Mercedes-Benz models – V-Class 250d, MWB five-door Wagon, and Diesel T/Turbo F/INJ – which cost R23 550 each for three days.

Letsemeng DA Councillor Thabo Nthapo said the matter came to their attention and they will do an investigation. “I am aware that councillors travelled to Johannesburg. 

“Unfortunately … I can’t give many details until I get a full report. (Thus far), we haven’t received any report on the matter, and it hasn’t been tabled to the council as yet. I’m still awaiting the council, but as the DA we proposed that an ad hoc committee be formed to investigate this matter."

The offices of the Letsemeng Municipality in Koffiefontein have been closed for two weeks. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

Workers at the troubled municipality expressed their dismay over the situation at the offices of Letsemeng. They said they did not understand where all this money was coming from as the municipality was broke.

Workers of Letsemeng have been up in arms as municipal offices have been closed for the past two weeks. They demand answers over the continued non-payment of third-party contributions to pension funds and medical aid schemes.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi