Bojonala Municipality ICT department pays R630 000 for ‘free’ firmware

NORTH WEST – The DA in the Bojanala District Municipality is concerned about false Information and Communications Technology (ICT) payments made for free software upgrades within the district municipality revealed during an MPAC session with the Mayor, Matlakala Nondzaba, Municipal Manager, Letlhogonolo Fourie, and Municipal Director. Payments totalling R630 000 were made to several service providers during the second quarter of the 2022/2023 year for work linked to Firmware, which is a free software service.

The DA sought more clarity on this issue and was informed that these false work orders were processed and paid under the leadership of the previous ICT Management. Upon the DA’s investigation, we found no evidence of the requisition documentation from the ICT Department to the Supply Chain Management Department. However, we only found evidence that the Supply Chain Management Department made payments to service providers without the correct documentation and approval.

Payments up to R630 000 cannot be accounted for since there is no proof of the ICT system problem that required maintenance or of any official payment requisitions. The Municipal Manager has indicated that he is aware of the alleged fraud occurring in the ICT Department and promised that the municipality would conduct an investigation and take all necessary steps to ensure that all monies are accounted for and paid back where needed. The DA will closely monitor the investigation’s development, ensuring that any violators face legal repercussions, and see to it that those accountable are brought to justice.