Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hardie Viviers and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Tumelo Rammile. See attached picture here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung is deeply concerned by the decision of the Speaker of Council, Cllr Lawrence Mathae, to convene a virtual Council meeting on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, with only one item on the agenda: that Council go into recess until after the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
This follows the cancellation of the October 2026 Council meeting, raising serious questions about why the Speaker is prepared to convene Council to approve a recess but not address critical statutory reports, outstanding oversight matters and legislative non-compliance before the current Council’s term ends.
The DA believes this decision undermines Council’s constitutional responsibility to oversee the municipality’s administration, financial management and service delivery.
Council must consider important reports, including the first-quarter Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP), quarterly financial and budget performance reports, supply-chain management reports, and Audit and Performance Committee reports. These are essential to hold the Executive Mayor, City Manager, and municipal administration accountable.
Section 52(d) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) requires the Executive Mayor to submit a report to Council within 30 days after each quarter on budget implementation and the municipality’s financial affairs. The report for the quarter ending 30 September 2026 must therefore be submitted by 30 October 2026 and noted by Council.
Why is the Speaker prioritising a Council recess when Council should oversee important financial and performance reports?
Of even greater concern is the potential impact on Mangaung’s December 2026 equitable-share allocation. National Treasury has raised serious concerns about Mangaung’s persistent financial non-compliance, including unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. In July 2026, National Treasury identified Mangaung among municipalities facing the temporary withholding of equitable-share transfers.
The DA is concerned that further failure to comply with National Treasury’s requirements could jeopardise future transfers, placing additional pressure on the municipality’s strained finances.
Although placing Council in recess does not automatically result in the withholding of equitable-share funding, the municipality must demonstrate compliance with all outstanding financial reporting and regulatory obligations.
Mangaung cannot afford another financial crisis while residents experience unreliable water and electricity supply, deteriorating roads, sewage spillages and failures in refuse removal.
The DA previously submitted a motion of no confidence against Speaker Mathae over his handling of Council business and failure to ensure effective accountability.
The ANC opposed our attempt to remove him, allowing him to remain in office despite serious concerns. The DA maintains that the Speaker is not fulfilling his responsibilities effectively and that the ANC’s continued political support has prevented meaningful accountability.
We demand written confirmation of Mangaung’s compliance status with National Treasury, particularly regarding the December 2026 equitable-share allocation, and disclosure of outstanding audit findings, financial reports and corrective measures.
The outgoing Council must account for its decisions and the municipality’s financial position before handing over to the newly elected Council. An election does not suspend legal obligations or accountability.
On 4 November 2026, residents will decide Mangaung’s future leadership. The DA calls for a Council that prioritises accountability, transparency, responsible financial management and reliable service delivery.
The DA is committed to restoring accountability, tackling corruption and rebuilding Mangaung into a Metro that works for all residents.