Anger over withholding of report

Piet Liebenberg

THE chairman of the Jeffreys Bay Residents Association, Paul Hjul, has requested an investigation into the Kouga Local Municipality’s refusal to give him, and the public in general, access to the so-called Goboda report.

"I requested an appointment with the municipal manager, Sydney Fadi, with regard to the change of heart to give the public access to the Gobodo Report,” said Hjul.

He blames officials of the finance, administration, monitoring and evaluation committee for obstructing access to the document.
Forensic accounting firm, Gobodo was tasked by the Eastern Cape department of local government and traditional affairs to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Kouga Municipality.
The report was finally tabled in May, more than a year after completion.
In the report, Gobodo recommended separate investigations for each allegation be conducted as they were unable to get to the truth. They further state officials of the KM were reluctant to give them access to certain documentation. The KM has put together a committee to investigate the report and make recommendations.
Hjul said: "In addition to the inherent unlawfulness of a refusal to adhere to transparent governance, the refusal warrants a section 106 investigation under the Municipal Systems Act.”
He also says the premier is constitutionally required to intervene.

Spokesman for the municipality, Mfundo Sobelo said: "The municipal manager is the one who will be able to provide clarity on the Gobodo report. He is unfortunately off for the whole week and will only be back on Monday.”