POST COUNCIL STATEMENT
The Council of Polokwane met on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, to deliberate on various key items impacting the municipality. Below are the key decisions and discussions from the meeting:
Appointment of debt collectors
Council acknowledged the appointment of three debt collectors to address significant challenges in revenue collection, particularly related to unpaid rates and taxes on properties. The municipality is owed about R148 million and this measure will facilitate the process of collecting all money due and payable to it.
The debt will be handed over starting with vacant properties, businesses and non-domestic properties, and dilapidated buildings. Government properties will be addressed the legal route following the exhaustion of intergovernmental relations. Residential properties will be pursued after all credit control processes are exhausted.
Fuel cards management
The Council reviewed and noted the control measures in place for fuel card management. The municipality has decided to appoint its own banker, Standard Bank for direct management of its fuel cards services to ensure better management and efficiency. The report puts stricter measures in place to manage the cards. Already, the municipality has started to note significant savings after eliminating the middle man from managing the fuel cards.
Terms of reference for investigation into low-cost housing allocation
The Council approved the terms of reference for the appointment of an independent investigator to examine the allocation of low-cost housing and investigate existing beneficiaries who are allegedly untraceable in various extensions, including 40, 44, 71, 73, 75, 76, 78, 133, and 9L.
The appointed independent investigator is expected to submit a final report with recommendations within 60 days from the date of appointment.
Road Agency request
The Council authorized the administration to write to the Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) to request that the D-Roads within the boundaries of Polokwane that the municipality has upgraded or is implementing be transferred to Polokwane Municipality.
The Executive Mayor and the MEC for Public Works will facilitate the re-gazetting of these roads after the transfer.
Donation of drilling and equipping of boreholes by Ferroglobe South Africa
Council noted and accepted the donation made by Ferroglobe South Africa to drill and equip boreholes and installation of water tanks in Ward 6 as part of water infrastructure development. The value of the project is R600 000.
Partnership agreement with Magesi Football Club
Council approved the request by Magesi Football Club to partner with the municipality in hosting their home games in Polokwane for the 2024/25 season. Magesi Football Club, will play most of their games at the revamped Seshego stadium. The football club was crowned NFD champions for the 2023/2024 season and will now compete in the 2024/2025 PSL elite league.
Bulawayo outward mission
Council noted the report on the outward mission to the City of Bulawayo that was observed as a success and had more impact through the participation of Polokwane Tourism Association executive committee which has opened options of engaging business within the relationship which will see improved relations between the two cities.
The municipal delegation attended the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2024. Furthermore, Council approved an invitation for two officials from Bulawayo to participate in the Limpopo Holiday Fair in September/October 2024 in Polokwane.
BRICS outward mission
Council noted feedback on the outward mission to the BRICS+ bloc of nations’ founding meeting and the Association of Cities and Municipalities meeting in Kazan City, Russia, from 21–23 June 2024. The Executive Mayor represented the municipality, adopting interest in establishing sister city relations between Polokwane and Mendeleevsky.
Council granted approval for the Executive Mayor to enter into a twinning agreement with the City of Mendeleevsky and to develop an implementation plan for the twinning agreement.
Whistle Blowing Policy
Council considered the draft reviewed Whistle Blowing Policy for public participation for thirty (30) days. This policy encourages employees and stakeholders to raise concerns about potential wrongdoing within the municipality.
Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy
Council approved the draft reviewed Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy for public participation for thirty (30) days. The strategy covers the prevention, detection, and management of fraud and corruption, aiming to raise awareness and guide the reporting of suspected fraudulent activities within the municipality.
Draft Housing Allocation Policy
Council noted and adopted the draft Housing Allocation Policy in line with the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 to promote good governance in relation to concerned across stakeholders regarding allocation of housing opportunities. The policy will now proceed to public participation.
End!
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For media queries, contact:
Thipa Selala
067 644 8021
thipas@polokwane.gov.za