The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the decisive action taken by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in issuing notices of suspension to six employees from the Electricity and Energy Directorate, following allegations of gross misconduct involving over R10 million in unauthorised copper cable orders. While this is an encouraging step, we will remain vigilant in ensuring that the process is carried out with transparency, accountability, and integrity.
The DA will monitor this situation closely and raise critical questions in the Electricity and Energy Standing Committee to ensure that those found guilty face the full might of the law. We will also guard against the ANC-led coalition repeating past mistakes of allowing suspended officials to return to work without fully undergoing investigative and disciplinary processes. History has shown us that when accountability is absent, corrupt officials feel emboldened to perpetuate criminal activities at the expense of the residents. Crimes of this nature steal directly from the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, diverting resources meant for essential services.
The R10 million allegedly misappropriated could have purchased approximately 200 000 energy-efficient light bulbs, which would have illuminated our streets, improved public safety, and ensured that residents walk and drive on well-lit roads and live in safer streets. This is the difference between the DA’s record of clean governance and the ANC’s continued legacy of corruption. Where the DA governs, public funds are spent responsibly to deliver services that uplift the lives of residents, not to line the pockets of the connected few.
The residents of Nelson Mandela Bay deserve a government that puts them first, not one that prioritises the enrichment of a select few. We will continue to fight for the rights of the residents of the metro, ensuring that no act of corruption goes unpunished and that every stolen cent is accounted for.
The DA is in your corner, fighting for you. Together, we can rescue Nelson Mandela Bay.