The tabling of critical reports exposing mismanagement and possible fraud and corruption in the Buffalo City Municipality in Council today, is a step towards achieving what the DA has fought for over many years – urgent intervention into the systemic collapse of the metro.
We have been at the forefront of the fight to have these reports tabled and have consistently pursued accountability – something the ANC-led Council has sought to avoid.
It is deeply concerning that it took a recent oversight visit by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) to prompt this action. Without SCOPA’s intervention, the reports – previously withdrawn under questionable circumstances in December 2024 – would likely have remained hidden from public scrutiny.
The SCOPA visit corroborated what the DA had previously exposed about the appalling state of the Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool and Water World projects, now emblematic of years of gross mismanagement, potential fraud, and corruption.
The reckless expenditure of R57 million, with an additional R14,5 million now required for the further rehabilitation of the Mdantsane swimming pool, and the R121 million wasted on the Water World facility, currently lying in disrepair due to neglect and vandalism, represent a betrayal of public trust.
Similarly, the R111 million Court Crescent development, commonly known as ‘The Stoep,’ stands as another white elephant, inaccessible to the very community it was meant to serve.
The Speaker of Council, Chief Whip, and Executive Mayor have repeatedly suppressed damning reports concerning these projects.
Their failure to provide credible explanations for these actions points to a deeply rooted culture of impunity and procurement malpractice within the municipality. This is further evidenced by attempts to delay consequence management for those who illicitly used COVID-19 funds intended for temporary shelters, as outlined in a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) report, which was also tabled today.
Urgent intervention is needed to address the systemic dysfunction plaguing the supply chain, infrastructure, and project management departments. These departments have become breeding grounds for corruption, with credible allegations pointing to officials amassing assets far beyond their lawful income.
We have rigorously analysed the reports that were tabled today and will remain resolute in our commitment to exposing the abuse of public funds and ensuring accountability.
The DA will fight to ensure that those found responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
The people of Buffalo City deserve transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of their hard-earned taxpayer money.