Independent oversight urged as corruption deepens in municipalities
Image: SAPS
Corruption casts a long shadow over South Africa's municipal governance, undermining service delivery and leaving communities that rely on water, sanitation, and electricity to bear the brunt of misused funds.
As watchdogs and analysts warn, the rot begins at the top and filters down to the street level, where residents seek basic essentials.
A string of reports over the past year has underscored the severity of the problem.
In August last year, Duja Consulting released a report titled The Pressing Issue of Corruption in South African Municipalities.
It argued that corrupt officials may demand kickbacks or artificially inflate contract prices to enrich themselves, driving up costs for municipalities and, by extension, taxpayers and ratepayers.
The report cautioned that a forensic approach to addressing corruption is essential. Such an approach, it said, is needed to uncover and rectify misuses of resources and ensure that money earmarked for essential services reaches the people who need it.
Corruption Watch (CW) has consistently highlighted the problem's local government dimension.
A CW report for 2024 revealed that the organization received more than 2,000 corruption complaints in 2023.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Earlier, a 2023 CW report identified local government as a key area where corruption was prevalent.
Of the five municipalities with the highest corruption reports, three metropolitan municipalities, Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Cape Town - collectively accounted for 71% of all reported incidents.
The persistence of corruption at the local level has prompted calls for independent oversight.
Speaking to IOL, Paul Maritz, director at FreeSA, argued that South Africa needs independent oversight in local government to curtail corruption.
'South Africa's bloated and often unaccountable municipal bureaucracies create fertile ground for corruption to thrive. Internal investigations rarely lead to consequences because they are conducted by systems that enable misconduct.
'To honour the Constitution's promise of transparent and ethical governance, we need a leaner, cleaner state – even at the municipal level – where independent oversight and public accountability are the norm, not the exception,' Maritz stated.
Zakhele Ndlovu, a political analyst, contends that corruption has become entrenched in the country, especially in municipalities.
'It appears that 96% of members of municipal councils are incorrigible. It's not just a case of a few rotten apples. Corruption Watch has reported extensively on cases of corruption across municipalities.
'There is just no political will to deal with corruption. Whistle-blower complaints that deal with and detail corruption go unattended. We can't expect municipalities to investigate themselves because they are fundamentally compromised,' said Ndlovu.
He referenced KwaZulu-Natal police head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's claims of police criminal syndicates that are alleged to have infiltrated the criminal justice system and extended to local, provincial, and national governments.
'South Africa is a kakistocracy-cum-mafia state. Yes, while investigations into corruption are conducted, the findings are never implemented, just as is the case with the findings of commissions of inquiry.'
Ndlovu warned of broader political consequences if inaction continues. He suggested voter turnout could slump in next year's local government elections as citizens lose faith in the political system.
'Citizens have lost trust and confidence in the whole political system. Our electoral system exacerbates the problem, which makes so-called public representatives accountable to the party that deploys them instead of the voters. Local government is supposed to be the sphere of government closest to the people, but that is not the case.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
17 minutes ago
- The South African
Motorist complains M3 hidden speed camera illegal - and CoCT agrees!
The City of Cape Town has launched an independent investigation after a motorist reported a hidden speed enforcement camera on the M3 southbound, between Wynberg Hill and the Constantia turn-off, allegedly in violation of the city's own speed enforcement policy. A listener, identified as Peter, reported spotting the camera setup and submitted photographic evidence to the City. According to Peter and the City's traffic enforcement guidelines, such a camera – if camouflaged beyond reasonable concealment – does not comply with regulations. Responding to the complaint, Traffic Services spokesperson Kevin Jacobs acknowledged that the setup '100% falls short' of Cape Town's standard for mobile speed enforcement. 'Our policy states that while a degree of concealment is allowed for the safety of the operator, it should never be excessive or imaginative,' Jacobs said during an interview. He confirmed that the images captured by the improperly positioned camera would not be processed, and a broader investigation – including consequence management – is already underway. 'We've decided not to process any of those pictures. We're having a broader investigation into the issue, and it's an independent process. What must be, must be. Let's wait for the outcome,' Jacobs added. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over mobile speed traps in the city, with residents calling for greater transparency and fairness in enforcement practices. The City has reiterated its commitment to accountability and stated that all enforcement actions must align with legal standards and public safety principles. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
17 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Firoz warns against corruption as 1,919 officers graduate
Cachalia told the graduates to be the officer who sets the right example of a trustworthy policing professional. New police recruits were delivered a stern warning against corruption during their graduation ceremony in Bhisho on Friday by newly appointed acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia. His address came as 849 officers graduated in Bhisho and 1 919 nationwide completed their training under the introductory police development learning programme. 'Just because 'everyone is doing it' does not make it right,' Cachalia told the graduating officers. 'Peer pressure is not a defence for misconduct. Corruption, abuse of power, negligence – these things erode public trust and endanger lives.' His remarks carried particular weight given the recent turmoil in the police service's leadership ranks. Political policing crisis backdrop Cachalia's warnings follow explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against former police minister Senzo Mchunu during a press briefing on 6 July. Mkhwanazi publicly accused Mchunu of attempting to dismantle the province's political killings task team, allegedly to protect individuals connected to politically linked crime syndicates. The provincial commissioner also claimed that a Gauteng-based drug cartel was influencing a high-level criminal syndicate with connections reaching into the South African Police Service (Saps), the judiciary and other law enforcement agencies. These allegations have triggered significant institutional responses. Mchunu has been placed on special leave pending the outcome of a judicial commission of inquiry led by former Constitutional Court judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Parliament has also established an ad hoc committee with a 90-day deadline to investigate Mkhwanazi's claims. READ MORE: 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations Call for integrity Speaking to the new recruits, Cachalia emphasised the importance of maintaining professional standards despite peer pressure. 'Stand your ground. Be firm in your values. Be the officer who sets the right example of a trustworthy policing professional – not the one who follows the crowd into wrongdoing,' he said. Saps acknowledged the calibre of the new officers, noting they arrived with qualifications in criminology, policing, forensic investigation, law and other relevant fields. #sapsEC [Bhisho #PassingOutParade] Boots polished, uniforms sharp, the largest parade in the country is underway. Today, fresh hands, hearts & minds join the fight against crime.#PoliceTrainees #MoreBootsOnTheGround — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 15, 2025 ALSO READ: Police trainee applications reach nearly 1 million, less than 1% will get the job Saps new graduates warned of challenges ahead Cachalia painted a sobering picture of the challenges facing South Africa's police service. He warned that criminals are becoming increasingly organised, violent and daring. He noted that the country continues to grapple with high crime levels, including violent crime, gender-based violence and femicide, and organised criminal networks that pose serious threats to community safety. 'You enter into service at a time when our country faces immense challenges,' he told the graduates. 'As the Saps, we have a great task before us – one we dare not fail in. The people of South Africa are looking to us for leadership, protection and justice.' ASLO READ: Sibiya sets sights on Mkhwanazi after court bid to return to work – report Mission and responsibility Cachalia emphasised the gravity of the responsibility now resting with the new officers. 'To the 849 proud men and women standing before us today – congratulations. You have walked a demanding journey and today marks the culmination of six months of rigorous training,' Cachalia said. He reminded them of their choice to serve. 'You are not here by accident. You are here because you chose to serve. You chose to be counted among those who step forward, not back – even when the danger is great and the path uncertain.' Cachalia gave the new officers a clear directive on the proper use of their authority and resources. 'You have been given tools of the trade – equipment, training, resources. Use them as intended – not for fear, not for abuse – but to protect, to serve and to uphold the rule of law. 'Do right – not when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Be in service of our people – not in word only, but in action. Respect every individual's rights, and never abuse the authority that now rests with you.' The graduation ceremony occurs amid ongoing investigations that will deliver preliminary findings within three months and a final report within six months. READ NEXT: Here are some of the rules outlining Parliament's Mkhwanazi allegations probe
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Fast-tracking Cornubia housing for flood victims
The building of 113 houses in Cornubia, Durban, allocated for the victims of the 2022 and 2025 floods, will reach completion over the next four months. Premier Thamasanqa Ntuli made this commitment on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Government yesterday (14 August) during a site visit to the Cornubia Housing Development. The Cornubia Housing Development is part of a broader plan by the KZN provincial department to build 1200 houses by 2027 for families who were displaced following the 2022 and 2025 floods in Durban. Presently, displaced families reside in community halls and temporary residential units. 'The construction of these 113 houses within four months is a promise in action. By 2027, we want every flood victim in KwaZulu-Natal to live in a safe, permanent home,' said Ntuli. The province announced the allocation of R149 million for a further 692 houses that form part of this development. 'The 692 houses are scheduled for completion by December 2026, with beneficiaries expected to move in from December 2026 to January 2027,' said Ntuli. The Premier indicated social facilitation programmes would be initiated by the province together with local municipalities to engage with communities resistant to such developments in their midst. Beneficiaries of houses under government housing projects were warned not to resell or rent out their homes to non-beneficiaries. Ntuli said such actions are unlawful and anybody committing such offences will be prosecuted. 'The Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will take strict legal action against offenders to protect the integrity of the resettlement programme and ensure that the rightful beneficiaries are accommodated,' said Ntuli. The Cornubia Housing Development is regarded as 'the most ambitious' post-disaster recovery initiatives in KwaZulu-Natal's history. The 2022 group of displaced flood victims were reported to have accused the government of not fulfilling their housing promises, in recent years. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
