The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality has requested urgent intervention from the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury over a long-term lease deal of key municipal assets. The deal involves assets, including the Aliwal Spa Holiday Resort, Buffelspruit Nature Reserve, and Oppie Bron Flats.
Over several months and through multiple Executive and Council meetings, the DA lodged repeated objections, highlighting serious procedural irregularities and political interference in the awarding of the lease. Despite this, every Council item was voted through by ANC councillors, while legitimate concerns were systematically dismissed.
I have, therefore, written to Provincial Treasury, calling for an independent legal and forensic review of all contracts before any implementation to safeguard public resources.
The DA tabled sworn declarations from individuals who publicly distanced themselves and their entities from the purported consortium bidding for the lease. Despite this evidence of misrepresentation, the ANC majority continued to advance the process.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 30 September, Council, at the DA’s request, resolved to defer the item pending an investigation and independent legal opinion on the tender process. However, at the Special Council Meeting on 31 October, the Municipal Manager provided only a limited legal opinion, without the required investigation, dismissing the DA’s concerns and supporting declarations.
In a subsequent division vote called by the DA, opposition parties voted in unison, but a narrow ANC majority pushed the item forward, disregarding the prior Council resolution to investigate.
The DA supports the principle of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a legitimate means to stimulate local economic growth and create jobs. However, such partnerships must be grounded in transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with the law. Public assets must serve the public good and not private interests.
The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to lawful oversight and transparent governance. We will continue to ensure that the residents of the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality receive the accountability they deserve and that municipal assets are protected from financial and reputational harm.