Mayor defends Swiss trip

28 October 2009 - 02:00
By unknown

THE IFP-led uMhlabuyalingana municipality would only be paying R50000 for an exhibition stand and brochures at the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition which starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday.

THE IFP-led uMhlabuyalingana municipality would only be paying R50000 for an exhibition stand and brochures at the Swiss International Holiday Exhibition which starts tomorrow and ends on Saturday.

Mayor Alison Ncube said yesterday after accusations that he and the municipal manager Eric Manqele are jetting off to Switzerland at the expense of the municipality.

The complaint came from some councillors who claimed that the two were going there without a resolution from the full council.

"I want to stress that it's an all expenses paid trip," said Ncube.

"The only thing the municipality would pay is the R42000 for stands and R8000 for brochures and other pamphlets telling people more about the municipality and preferable places to visit," he said.

Ncube also denied allegations that the municipality was going to electrify only areas that are IFP-dominated.

"On Monday, we had a meeting with amakhosi from four areas, Eskom, local business people, representatives from government departments and councillors," Ncube said.

"It is in that meeting where areas that would be prioritised for electricity were agreed upon." - Canaan Mdletshe