The release of the Public Protector’s report into the construction of the R22.7 million Lesseyton sports field confirms that public funds were misused, oversight was lacking, and those responsible have yet to be held accountable.
The report, by Public Protector Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, substantiates the findings of the earlier forensic investigation conducted by Wesley Pretorius and Associates. It confirms that procurement irregularities occurred in the awarding of the tender to Thalami Civils (Pty) Ltd JV.
It further outlines serious failures in project oversight and contract management by both the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality and the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). As a result, the project delivered no value for money.
The Public Protector also identified glaring discrepancies between payments made and the supporting documentation available, raising serious concerns about the justification for those payments.
Since MEC Zolile Williams presented the investigative report to the municipal council in July 2024, the council has yet to be informed of any concrete steps taken to hold those responsible to account.
The Public Protector’s report makes several clear and time-bound recommendations. These include that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs must initiate the necessary action in terms of section 54A(9) of the Municipal Systems Act if the MEC fails to act within the prescribed period.
The Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, must ensure that MEC Williams tables the final forensic report before the Provincial Legislature, in line with section 133 of the Constitution and section 106(1A) of the Municipal Systems Act. Furthermore, MEC Williams must, within ninety days, ensure that consequence management is applied to all implicated officials, whether currently employed in Enoch Mgijima or in other municipalities.
The Municipal Manager of Enoch Mgijima is required, within thirty days of receiving the report, to provide monthly progress updates on the implementation of the project plan arising from the forensic findings and, within sixty days, to submit quarterly monitoring reports to the municipality’s Audit Committee.
The forwarding of this report to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is an important step. Accountability must now extend beyond the administrative level to include possible criminal charges.
For more than a decade, the people of Enoch Mgijima have endured failing infrastructure, electricity blackouts, and water shortages while watching millions being squandered on a stadium project that never delivered on its promises. This report is a long-overdue step towards justice.
The Lesseyton sports field must now be revived not only as a symbol of accountability but as a practical investment in rural sporting talent. It represents an opportunity to rebuild trust and provide infrastructure that gives young people a reason to believe in their future.
The Democratic Alliance will continue to monitor the implementation of the Public Protector’s recommendations and ensure that the people of this municipality are no longer denied the basic services they deserve.