Some weeks ago, the Zoutpansberger published a story on Makhado municipal workers who were going to participate in the inter-municipal games at the Sol Plaatje municipality in a variety of activities, such as darts, volleyball, etc. In spite of the criticism against such a step and a specific directive from Council that it would not assist these workers financially, they went to the games and now want Council to reimburse them.

The resolution passed by Council was that these workers would be afforded the opportunity to participate, in spite of the fact that their absence would leave their posts unattended. The possible ramifications in terms of labour law were also ignored and the fall-out in this regard has not yet become apparent. What has surfaced, in the meantime, is that these workers had to raise funds on their own for transport, accommodation and food, which they did. They managed to raise R20 000, which went towards transport costs.

However, the 45-member team had to fork out an additional R8 000 for transport, plus R22 500 for accommodation, plus R2 700 for meals, coming to a total of R33 200, which they did not have. According to Mr Louis Bobodi, municipal spokesperson, the workers had to pay this money themselves because of Council’s resolution not to assist them financially. At a meeting of Council on 22 September, a request was tabled by the director of community services that the workers be reimbursed an amount of R35 900 for their expenses at the games. The workers’ case was presented to Council by Cllr Dzhombe while they were in Kimberley. The result was that this matter was brought to the last meeting of Council and the executive committee (Exco) resolved to consider the request.

Two matters have arisen in this regard: If Council had made it clear that the workers had to raise the funds by themselves, without any financial assistance from Council, (1) why was the request even entertained as a matter on the agenda, thereby wasting unnecessary time and energy and (2) why is the claim for nearly R36 000, if the expenses incurred amount to R32 300?