MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The portfolio chairman for Finance at Mossel Bay Municipality, Alderman Mark Furness, has been summoned to appear in the George Magistrate's Court on 4 February.
Hawks Western Cape spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, confirmed this and said the charges against Furness were as follows:
• Failure to appoint a representative taxpayer.
• Failure to submit an income tax return.
• Failure to submit value added tax return.
In answer to an enquiry by Mossel Bay Advertiser, Mossel Bay mayor Dirk Kotzé said the "allegations do not, in any way, relate to his role or responsibilities as the Finance chair of the municipality".
The Advertiser sent an enquiry regarding the matter to the municipality on the afternoon of 20 January.
The newspaper's questions include:
• Is the municipality aware of the above?
• Will Furness continue to serve as the chair of the portfolio? If so, what is the reason for this? If not, what is the reason for this?
• Will Furness continue to serve as a councillor (alderman) with the above charges against him?
• Will Furness continue to serve on the mayoral committee? If so, why? If not, why not?
• If there is any additional information you feel the public should know, please supply it.
In response to the enquiry, a joint statement was issued by the mayor and Furness today, 22 January.
According to the statement, Furness informed the mayor on Monday, 20 January, his first day back in office after recess, of the allegations being investigated against him.
Furness confirmed that the allegations are with regards to “late submissions of business tax that should have been submitted by a third party on his business' behalf”.
He noted: "I hope to work with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and find an amicable solution, as soon as possible."
According to the statement, Furness has appointed a reputable auditing firm to handle the issues raised by SARS and confirms that "the tax-related matters of the legal entity in question have been managed by a third-party service provider for several years, and these matters have now given rise to the allegations against the legal entity represented by Furness".
“Legal counsel has been appointed by the entity to represent the entity and to assist Alderman Furness, in collaboration with the appointed auditors, in resolving the dispute with SARS.”
The mayor further said that under Furness’ leadership, Mossel Bay was recently again awarded the accolade of the most financially sustainable municipality in South Africa by the renowned credit rating agency, Ratings Afrika.
“Additionally, in 2024 Mossel Bay Municipality achieved its 11th clean audit in 13 years and fifth consecutive clean audit, under Furness' political leadership.
“Thus, until the case's result is known, I will not request the alderman to vacate his position on the mayoral committee,” said the mayor.
The Advertiser also sent an enquiry to SARS, asking the service when it opened a case against Furness, what the estimated amount is that Furness owes and what period of time is concerned.
“SARS is a creature of statute and is accordingly working within the law. The Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 prohibits SARS from divulging confidential taxpayer information. In this regard, SARS will not be commenting on your enquiry,” it said.
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