THANDI XABA
The Masilonyana Council allegedly approved a 15-day trip to Cuba for executive Mayor Steve Koalane which cost R300 000. The mayor was invited by Free State Premier Ace Magashule.
DA George Michalakis says its unacceptable that the communities of Brandfort and Winburg in the Masilonyana Municipality are forced to drink filthy and polluted water while the mayor embarks on an all-expense paid trip.
According to the opposition party the delegates are in Cuba from January 23rd to February 6th.
Michalakis states the council approved the cost of the trip when Koalane had already departed for Cuba and the correct process for approval was needed in order to prevent incurring unauthorised expenditure.
However, the Masilonyana council states the trip is strengthen existing relations between Cuba and Free State, to look for possibility of investment and to visit the Free State students who obtained bursaries and are now studying in Cuba.
In a statement released by the DA they further say the Masilonyana Council approved the cost of the trip while Mayor Koalane was already in the air in a desperate bid to legitimise the expenditure.
