DA fights for accountability and financial reform

Issued by Dr Igor Scheurkogel – DA Constituency Head: Metsimaholo
25 Jun 2025 in Press Statements

By Dr Igor Scheurkogel | DA Constituency Head: Metsimaholo

Note to Editors: Please find English and Afrikaans soundbites by Dr Igor Scheurkogel MP and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the 17 January 2025 High Court ruling that holds the Mafube Municipal Manager, Executive Mayor, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) personally liable for R14.7 million in unpaid worker pensions.

This landmark decision is a victory for workers’ rights and exposes the deep-rooted financial mismanagement that has plagued Mafube Local Municipality for far too long.

Municipal workers, who have dedicated their careers to serving the community, should never have had to endure such financial uncertainty.

It is unacceptable that their hard-earned pensions were jeopardised due to the negligence and mismanagement of government officials. This ruling sends a clear message that accountability will be enforced.

The DA will take immediate action to prevent a repeat of this crisis and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Our key steps include:

Provincial Oversight: We will submit formal questions to the provincial legislature, demanding that the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) hold the municipal manager, executive mayor, and CFO accountable for failing to uphold their statutory obligations.

Financial Oversight Committee: The DA will push for the establishment of a dedicated committee within the council to oversee municipal finances, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal management.

The DA is committed to restoring trust in local government and preventing further financial negligence. By enforcing strict oversight and demanding accountability, we will work towards a municipality that prioritises workers’ rights, responsible governance, and sound financial management.

The residents of Mafube deserve leadership that safeguards their futures—not one that gambles with them.