ECONOMIC development and recreational services executive director Zolile Siswana was yesterday put in the hot seat by Nelson Mandela Bay councillors who accused him of having a bad attitude and failing to deliver on his promises to provide them with reports.
Siswana first came under fire from the DA, who criticised him for not working fast enough to ensure libraries were open on Saturdays.
He was then later chastised by municipal public accounts committee (MPAC) chairwoman Nomvuselelo Tontsi for not providing councillors with a report on the failed International Music Festival in 2009, despite promising he would have it ready by September 30.
Siswana explained to councillors that his department was battling to resolve the libraries problem because municipal libraries were heavily understaffed and did not have the funds to pay workers overtime, nor hire additional staff.
"Libraries don't have money to employ more staff. The problem boils down to money and there is no way we are going to have the money ..." Siswana said.
The DA suggested that the libraries be opened from Tuesday to Saturday, and ANC councillor Marion Harning suggested that they open from 2pm to 6pm during the week and remain open on weekends.
Meanwhile, Siswana had to explain why he did not give councillors a report detailing how his department planned to recover R1.6-million given to events company Dompas Media Productions for a failed music concert in 2009.
Tontsi said: "In March you [Siswana] had an attitude when councillors wanted to know when we will get a report; you were angry.
"The way you are taking councillors for granted must come to an end. You said you will have the report by September 30."
Siswana explained that he forwarded the matter to internal audit to investigate.
Internal auditor Bonnie Chan said she received the report last week and would give her input to acting municipal manager Themba Hani later this week.
