SUSPEND ROAD TRAFFIC EXEC: DA
2010-01-31 14:43
JOHANNESBURG January 31
The DA has called for the suspension of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) chief executive Ranthoko Rakgoale for allegedly approving salary increases above approved limits.
"... The DA asks that Rakgoale be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation conducted by the public protector," said DA MP Stuart Farrow said in a statement on Sunday.
An audit report showed that the salaries of RTMC executive directors were awarded increases of up to 389 percent, receiving R3 million each in 2009, compared to R647,090 in 2008.
"Any increase in salaries should be approved within defined performance grounds, as is best practice," said Farrow.
"But, the audit report shows that there was no measurement of the performance of board members," he said.
There was also a lack of monitoring of controls over the RTMC's budget.
"For instance, from a sample of 42 supplier payments selected, 24 did not contain a requisition form," said Farrow
The report found that the RTMC spent R4.5m on provincial workshops, when only R1.5m was budgeted for the purpose.
"The RTMC also spent R1.3m for the hire of private suites at Ellis Park and Loftus Versfeld during the Confederations Cup," he said.
According to the report there was an amount of R93m in outstanding fines.
"There a myriad of further financial irregularities, including improper tendering and procurement processes," said Farrow.
He said the DA received leaked documents from whistleblowers at the RTMC in October pointing to fraudulent activity.
The DA had brought this to the attention of Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele, but nothing had been done, he charged.
"This indicates that the ANC continues to be a closed, crony society intent on protecting its members from prosecution for self-enriching themselves with public funds."
The RTMC could not be reached for comment.
- SAPA