Garden Route District Mayor Takes Decisive Action on Wasteful Expenditure

In response to concerns over financial malpractice, Garden Route District Municipality's (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, has taken a firm stand against historical wasteful expenditure. The move comes following a constitutional Section 139(1)(a) Notice from the Western Cape Government, pushing for rectification of past fiscal irregularities.

Upon his appointment, Mayor Stroebel, alongside the GRDM Council, embarked on a mission to cleanse the administration of past financial mismanagement. This commitment sees the Mayor addressing irregular salary payouts stretching from 2017 to 2022, an issue the Department of Local Government under Minister Anton Bredell had flagged.

The Mayor’s report scrutinizes specific instances where senior officials were compensated beyond upper limits stated in official documents; such overcompensation is considered both irregular and in defiance of fiscal responsibility regulations. With the proactive identification of overpayments, a strategic plan has been mapped out to address these errors.

The proposed actions prioritize transparency and adherence to the Municipal Finance Management Act, aligning with broader objectives of accountability and efficient use of public funds. The collaborative efforts between the Mayor's office, the GRDM Council, and the provincial authorities reflect a united front that seeks to reinforce trust between the GRDM and its constituents.

The administration under Mayor Stroebel is committed to regular engagement with the public, ensuring ongoing transparency. Updates on the progress of rectifying these fiscal oversights are to be furnished as developments arise, with the Mayor's diligence serving as a cornerstone for reinforcing ethical governance.

Legal and financial advisors are working in tandem to ensure that the solutions adopted align with all statutory demands while minimizing the financial impact on the municipality’s already strained resources. The GRDM's actions could set a precedent for other municipalities facing similar challenges, illustrating a rigorous approach to curbing wasteful expenditure and fostering an environment of transparent and responsible local governance.