Dept defends ex-MEC's home upgrade
2012-11-21 23:01
Johannesburg - The Gauteng department of local government and housing has defended its position on the money spent upgrading its former MEC's house.
"It must be noted that the audit report is a supplementary report to the financial statements, therefore it recommends, not instructs.
"Therefore, the MEC [Ntombi Mekgwe] is not defying any instruction, but considering the recommendation in the light of practicalities," said departmental spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa.
On Wednesday, The Star reported that Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane had endorsed the renovations at former MEC Humphrey Mmemezi's private home in Krugersdorp.
The renovations, which cost R700 000, included an upgrade of the security and of a wall.
In a reply to a question by the Democratic Alliance in the legislature, Mekgwe said the cost would not be recovered because it was part of a certain standard benefit which members of the executive council had, the newspaper reported.
Auditor General Terence Nombembe had found that the department did not follow proper procedures when it appointed Payless Projects to renovate Mmemezi's home.
Nombembe recommended that action be taken against those involved.
Motlhaolwa said recommendations for the upgrade were not made by the Mokonyane herself, but by her office through the director general.
"The department have an audit action plan to address, which is addressing some of the findings," he said.
- SAPA
