Note to Editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Alison Oates, Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will take decisive steps to ensure accountability for irregular expenditure in the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality. Recent Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) findings revealed proposals to write off R172 million from 2023/24 and R53 million from 2022/23. Most of this was excused on grounds of ignorance or the need for Standard Operating Procedures, despite the presence of long-serving staff with relevant qualifications in the Supply Chain Department.
Only three cases were recommended for further action. The Mayor, Cllr Malekula Melato, was ordered to repay R70 773 for the costs of advertising for a Municipal Manager. Legislation clearly sets deadlines for this process, which the Mayor ignored, necessitating a costly re-advertisement. Regrettably, the ANC-coalition voted to absolve the Mayor from repayment. Even more concerning, the MPAC chair, Cllr Holley of the ACM within the ANC-coalition, did not support his own committee’s recommendations, despite a salary of R895 618 per annum.
The DA has also uncovered that no case has been opened against HDM Catering and Projects, which allegedly received R2 675 079.02 for goods and services that cannot be verified. Following DA questions in Council on 27 February 2026, it is expected that legal action will finally be taken. In addition, MPAC recommended that the construction of 5 000 VIP toilets (Phase 13 A), costing R53 367 684.64, undergo a forensic investigation. The DA will submit questions in the provincial legislature to verify the claimed investigation.
When millions are written off through irregular expenditure, it is residents who pay the price through failing services, deteriorating infrastructure, and continued municipal collapse.
The DA remains committed to exposing corruption, safeguarding public funds, and ensuring that residents of Maluti-a-Phofung benefit from accountable, transparent governance rather than mismanagement and waste.