MPAC Flags Governance Crisis and Administrative Non-Compliance at JB Marks Local Municipality
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) of the JB Marks Local Municipality has officially voiced profound dissatisfaction regarding what it describes as a persistent breakdown of accountability and legislative disregard within the municipal administration. In a comprehensive media statement, the committee detailed a series of logistical failures and scheduling conflicts that have reportedly obstructed its constitutional mandate to oversee public funds and performance.
Disruption of Public Participation and Logistical Failures
The oversight process encountered its first major hurdle regarding the 2024/2025 Annual Report. A public participation meeting, originally mandated under Section 129(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and scheduled for 12 March 2026, had to be postponed.
According to formal correspondence from MPAC Manager Jones Legoete, the postponement was necessitated by:
Budgetary Constraints: Lack of funds prevented the timely printing and distribution of notification flyers and pamphlets to the community.
Logistical Deficiencies: Transport arrangements for committee members and staff remained unfinalized.
Equipment Issues: The procurement of necessary sound systems and related equipment was not completed in time.
Public Awareness: The committee noted that proceeding without adequate notice would compromise the integrity of the consultation process.
The meeting was subsequently rescheduled for 19 March 2026 at the Potchefstroom Banquet Hall.
Scheduling Conflicts and Departmental Oversight Challenges
The MPAC reported a "recurring pattern" of administrative interference regarding departmental hearings. Essential oversight sessions planned for 17 and 18 March 2026 were disrupted when the administration scheduled a Special Mayoral Committee meeting and an Extended Management Meeting for Heads of Department (HOD) on the same dates, conflicting with the MPAC agenda.
The HOD meeting, chaired by Municipal Manager Kgomotso Kumbe, focused on several critical items:
The Audit Action Plan and Strategic Planning 2025/2026.
The Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget engagement dates for 2026/2027.
A presentation by POLYCO PRO NPC regarding local recycling and waste diversion initiatives.
The situation reportedly deteriorated during rescheduled hearings on 14 and 15 April 2026. The MPAC alleged that on 14 April, no secretariat was present to officially document proceedings. Furthermore, the Office of the Executive Mayor, which was scheduled to appear first, failed to attend without providing a formal apology or communication.
Legislative Risks and Recommended Sanctions
The committee warned that these administrative failures jeopardize the municipality’s ability to meet statutory deadlines for adopting an Oversight Report as outlined in Section 129 of the MFMA. MPAC maintains that under Sections 60 and 62 of the MFMA, the Accounting Officer holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring effective systems of performance management and legislative compliance.
In response to these challenges, MPAC has resolved to:
Present a formal report to the Council detailing the non-compliance.
Recommend consequence management for officials found responsible for the disruptions.
Escalate the matter by submitting a report to relevant Provincial Government stakeholders.
Despite these internal frictions, MPAC remains committed to fulfilling its mandate impartially. The committee has urged the municipal leadership to restore compliance and uphold the principles of transparency to protect public resources and maintain community trust.
All relevant Documents:
Disclaimer: All information and supporting documentation for this article were provided by Cllr Rufane Alistair Makousa, Cllr Ward 21 and MPAC Chairperson of the JB Marks Local Municipality.
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