Press Statement by Sankie Mndawe: DA Councillor in Nkomazi Local Municipality
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nkomazi calls on the Municipal Manager, Oscar Nkosi, to launch an investigation into a refurbishment project that has led to the municipality allegedly wasting R8 million.
It is understood that the project was initiated with the purpose of refurbishing various wastewater treatment plants in the municipality. A report compiled by the Municipality’s Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) states that this refurbishment project was meant to be at 35% by 31 December 2025.
However, according to the report, 0% physical refurbishment was recorded on the set date despite an amount of R8 million being spent. The report went on to detail that delays can be attributed to incomplete designs and procurement processes.
In response to this, the Executive Mayor informed the MPAC that the misalignment in this regard was caused by human error and will be corrected going forward. She further told the Committee that going forward they will start earlier to ensure that procurement of the service provider begins on time.
This is totally unacceptable and erodes public trust in the municipality to deliver services efficiently. It must be noted that such actions under the ANC leadership have set a dangerous precedent. The continued disregard for the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) exposes the municipality to financial and reputational risks.
The inability of the municipality to carry out projects with precision and maintain critical infrastructure demonstrates the extent of the incompetence and operational crisis facing Nkomazi. Residents cannot be expected to trust an administration that cannot even refurbish infrastructure when budgets are set aside.
The DA finds it illogical that the municipality incurred an expenditure of R8 million for this project, but the set targets were not reached. This warrants an investigation; officials must be held to account. Water infrastructure in this municipality is close to collapsing, therefore it cannot be business as usual when there is such financial misconduct.
With the 2026 Local Government Elections on the horizon, the residents of Nkomazi should take note of such shortcomings. The DA is the only viable party that continues to demonstrate stronger financial management, improved service delivery, cleaner governance, and greater accountability to residents.