Controversy deepens at BALA

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday October 12, 2018 13:58

At the centre of the controversy is BALA president Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo who is accused of disregarding procedure in acquiring property, hiring and firing of staff.  One of the documents given to the permanent secretary of local government and rural development says: “In 2015 BALA bought ploughing fields in Lentsweletau area next to Moruakgomo’s ploughing field.  The purpose and intent of the ploughing field is unknown and the particular field in question has now become the property of Reverend Moruakgomo as he has been ploughing the fields without any agreement with BALA. The same year, BALA’s fund was used to buy property in Extension 4 at the tune of P1.4 million from Kgolagano College which Moruakgomo is a board member”.

 The principal of Kgolagano College, Reverend Dr Prince Dibeela confirmed that BALA has bought a property from them.

 “I do not remember the value of that property.  I think BALA can answer that one,” Dibeela said.

Recently the permanent secretary for Local Government and Rural Development, Khumo Matlhare told Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that they had written to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) to investigate BALA for failing to account for money given by government. The government gives BALA around P4 million annually.

“The ministry has taken a resolution that it would not dispense the money to BALA if it does not account for money previously dispensed,” Matlhare said.

On the documents, Moruakgomo is alleged to be gaining from external trips whose budget amounts to more than 50% of BALA’s total budget.

He is also accused of earning a salary from BALA while also earning a salary from Kgatleng District Council.

 “In order to cover himself and garner support from the executive committee, he instituted a sitting allowance at the rate of P500 per sitting for all committees. These allowances were never budgeted for and they are draining resources from the organisation. Hence, the usual shortfall of the subvention due to diversion of money towards unplanned and unbudgeted activities,” it reads.

 Mmegi has learnt that the executive committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss some of these issues and plan on how they could pass the motion of no confidence against Moruakgomo.

Some members, according to a source want Phenyo Segokgo to replace Moruakgomo.

But Segokgo says he is not interested in the position.

BALA is expected to hold its general assembly in November, where they might recall Moruakgomo.