Port Elizabeth - The ANC in the Eastern Cape will meet next week to discuss claims of corruption against Buffalo City mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, the party said on Friday.
Provincial secretary Lubabalo Mabuyane said party officials, including the deputy mayor of Buffalo City, Themba Tinta, chief whip Sangweni Matwele and speaker Luleka Simons, would consider the matter.
“As the African National Congress, we are committed to rooting out any misuse of public funds,” said Mabuyane.
“We will be conducting our own investigation on the matter highlighted by the Daily Dispatch after which we will make an informed decision on how to proceed on this matter,”
The Dispatch Online reported on Wednesday that Ncitha allegedly spent almost R800 000 of ratepayers' money on domestic travel for events, most of which did not appear on her official diary.
The money was reportedly spent on luxury vehicles and hotel accommodation around the country.
Documents which the Dispatch said it had obtained showed that some of Ncitha's trips, including one which cost more than R12 000, were made while she was in meetings at her East London City Hall offices.
The trips were billed under difference references Ä mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, Z Ncitha, M Ncitha, and Z Ncitha mayor.
Her son, Zukile, who carries the same initials as her, also works for the Buffalo City metro, according to the report.
Democratic Alliance in the Buffalo City municipality said it would submit a motion of no confidence in Ncitha.
The party's caucus leader Kobus Botha said the motion would be submitted at the next council meeting.
“This report highlights ANC leaders' appetite for spending money on luxury vehicles and hotel accommodation around the country,” he said. - Sapa