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Daily Maverick
20 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor accused of ‘financial misconduct' over funding rollover for flood disaster projects
The ANC-led coalition government in Nelson Mandela Bay on Thursday rammed through the approval of a 'top up' from city coffers to fund flood disaster projects that were intended to be financed by a R53-million conditional grant. While the Nelson Mandela Bay metro remains at high risk of losing R53-million in flood disaster funding for Kariega, Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe on Wednesday urged council to approve that a top-up amount be paid from city coffers to fund the shortfall in the projects. According to council documents, the metro has spent R1.6-million of the proposed R52.3-million so far — and the mayor wants R7-million from the Roads and Stormwater budget to be reprioritised for flood projects as a 'top up'. Democratic Alliance councillor Rano Kayser pointed out to the mayor that the rollover for the funding had not yet been approved by the National Treasury. He cited a Treasury circular stating that rollovers would not be granted in cases where key positions such as city manager and chief financial officer (CFO) have been vacant for more than six months — or where CFOs have been serving in acting roles beyond that period. Kayser said the city failed to spend the money in time. 'The Acting City Manager gave us the assurance that the money will be spent,' Kayser said. 'He even boldly said he visited Kariega, but after all these visits he still failed to spend the R53-million.' In June 2024, Kariega was hit by devastating flash-flooding after a cloud burst dumped 230mm of rain in the area in less than two hours. In October, heavy rains in the metro again damaged parts of Kariega and Gqeberha. But as it was a conditional grant, there was a limited time during which the money could be spent. The metro did not spend the money in time and now has to apply for a rollover of funds. In a letter addressed to Lobishe, Kayser pointed out that the metro must apply for a rollover of the funds by 31 August and a decision in this regard will only be made by 22 October. He said despite no application for a rollover being made by the metro, Lobishe has now asked the metro to approve a 'top-up' budget to be paid from the metro's budget. This, Kayser pointed out in his letter, was 'financial misconduct. This item illustrates the failure and incompetence of the administration. The item is misleading to the council.' He stressed in council that no rollover of the funding had been approved. On its social media pages, the metro claimed the council approved the rollover of funding, but added that this must still be approved by National Treasury. 'I wrote to the executive mayor tabling the allegations of misconduct,' Kayser added. 'She has 7 days to bring the item to council. It has all the elements of misconduct.' He said the metro, through its failure to spend the money, had lost R53-million. 'It may be in the bank account, but it cannot be used. For every project relating to the floods the money has been lost.' The ACDP's Lance Grootboom agreed. 'This is conditional funding. You must apply to the National Treasury for a rollover first,' he said. He pointed out that Treasury was clear in a circular that no rollover requests will be considered where a municipality has a vacant CFO post or had a CFO in an acting position for more than six months. Added to the risk, Grootboom pointed out, is that the metro's city manager has been on suspension (since 2023). 'It is basically an illegal request,' he said. 'You want the metro to top up the money, but you will only get an answer [later].' He later said the issue would have to be addressed by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The metro has a pattern of underspending grant funding from National Treasury and has in the past three years lost millions. The MMC for Budget and Treasury Khanya Ngqisha said the opposition was telling the metro not to spend the money. 'We have an accounting officer. He doesn't take decisions without advice. The problem is that some of the political parties listen to wrong advice from junior officials.' He admitted that no money was spent yet. 'If there is anything wrong, the Auditor-General will deal with it.' Acting City Manager Ted Pillay said Lobishe's request should be amended to indicate a budget adjustment instead of a rollover. This was then approved by the council. However, Lobishe then later, after voting, said she didn't want the changes proposed by Pillay. 'He had no right to correct my item. I didn't fix it myself.' A second decision, this time based on the original, unamended item, was then passed — despite objections from opposition councillors, who argued this violated council procedures. They said the proper route was for the Speaker to take the item on review. DM
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP stands firm on KwaZulu-Natal's controversial decision to place ANC-led municipality under administration
IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa has defended KwaZulu-Natal government's decision to place the ANC-led municipality under administration. Image: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs / Facebook The IFP has vowed to defend the KwaZulu-Natal government's decision to place the struggling ANC-led Umkhanyakude District Municipality under administration despite the ANC's defiance. In a media briefing on Monday afternoon, President Velenkosini Hlabisa dismissed ANC's assertion that the provincial government is targeting municipalities under its leadership for political reasons. There was a drama last week when IFP's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi was physically prevented from entering the premises of the municipality, in the north of the province, to formally introduce the appointed administrator, Bamba Ndwandwe. Hlabisa stated that the government's decision remains firm and will not be influenced by political pressures. 'This is not a political intervention. This is a Cabinet decision. As long as municipalities are passing unfunded budgets, Section 139 will apply. You can go and check the financial audit outcome of that municipality. It is not good; therefore, it qualifies for an intervention of this kind,' said Hlabisa. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who was at the briefing, said there was a unanimous decision in the Cabinet with all MECs, including the three from the ANC; therefore, he did not understand why the leadership is challenging it. He said Umkhanyakude was placed under administration alongside two IFP-led district municipalities, so the assertion by the ANC that it is targeting its municipalities was unfounded. 'We removed an ANC-led Mooi Mpofana Local Municipality from the administration in the same Cabinet meeting, so we do not understand why the ANC is complaining in Umkhanyakude,' said Ntuli. He also announced that the municipality has taken the government to court for the matter. In a statement last week, the ANC said it vehemently rejected the unwarranted and politically charged decision by MEC Buthelezi to invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality. It said the so-called intervention is nothing short of abuse of constitutional provisions for political gain, adding that it lacks merit, rationale, and integrity. 'The ANC is appalled by the continued misuse of Section 139(1)(b) by the MEC, who has turned what should be a last-resort mechanism into a political weapon, one that is selectively and cynically deployed against ANC-led municipalities, regardless of their performance. 'The uMkhanyakude District Municipality has made tangible progress in governance, financial recovery, and service delivery. There is no objective basis for this draconian step, which appears designed not to improve governance, but to score narrow political points and destabilise a functional administration,' read the statement. The party said it stands with the Council of uMkhanyakude District Municipality in resisting the opportunistic, mischievous, and dangerous actions of a power-mongering MEC who is hell-bent on destabilising a functional municipality and undermining service delivery to communities. It vowed to actively mobilise its supporters and communities to resist the advances of an MEC who the party described as having clearly defined himself outside of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU). There are fears that the continued souring of relations between these two major partners of the GPU may create instability in the province, which is known for its political complexities. [email protected].
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Juju's presence powers EFF to victory in hometown poll
The EFF snatched a crucial by-election victory in Polokwane's 'Juju Valley', signalling a warning shot to the ANC ahead of 2026. The presence of EFF leader Julius Malema on the ground and voting in his home ward in Polokwane appears to have paid off after his party dealt the ANC a serious blow in Wednesday's by-election for a seat in the Polokwane local municipality. EFF's Mongatane Ramaphoko garnered 3 370 votes compared with the 2 404 of the ANC's Mokgadi Boloko. Electoral Commission of SA manager Nkaro Mateta said the election was free and fair. Although it was expected the EFF would triumph in an area named 'Juju Valley' after Malema's nickname, the ANC said it was not deterred by the result. ANC downplays defeat ANC Peter Mokaba regional chair John Mpe said nothing was lost because, despite the win, the ANC still dominates the Polokwane municipality, holding 57 of the 90 seats, while the EFF has 19 (inclusive of the recent by-election), DA seven, Freedom Front Plus two, while Abantu Batho Congress, African Christian Democratic Party, Congress of the People and Magoshi Swaranang Movement each hold one seat. Mpe said the council had a total of 45 wards, the DA controlled four, the EFF three and the ANC sat comfortably with 38. He called the EFF win 'a drop in the ocean'. 'Between today and 2026, we have planned to rebuild and strengthen our structures, embark on an aggressive recruitment drive and voter education, while we ensure our communities, both Juju Valley and elsewhere, get municipal basic services,' he said. ALSO READ: Malema's revenge politics puts ANC on notice The ANC also still dominates the Limpopo legislature, with 48 out of the 64 seats. 'Tired of empty promises' The EFF has nine, followed by the DA with four. Independent political analyst Solly Rachilo said maybe it was time for the ANC to watch its back. 'Many people, particularly those who are tired of empty service delivery promises from the ANC-led government, are now seeking home in other political parties such as the EFF, the DA and uMkhonto weSizwe of former president Jacob Zuma,' said Rachilo. 'Remember, the South African Communist Party has contested the elections on its own for the very first time and got 1%. 'Breaking away from the tripartite alliance should be reason enough for the ANC to watch its back ahead of the municipal polls next year.' EFF eyes 2026 with bold confidence EFF Limpopo chair Lawrence Mapoulo said: 'When we went to the polls, we went there armed and prepared for any eventuality. We carried all our youth, middle-aged men and women and pensioners to that war. 'They are fighting a losing battle – watch and learn when we take power in 2026.' NOW READ: IEC warning: These rising threats could endanger future elections in South Africa
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Political tensions rise as ANC defies IFP-led cabinet decision in KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal Government of Provincial Unity is under threat after IFP and ANC clash over the administration of municipalities. Image: IOL / Independent Newspapers A political clash which may threaten the stability of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal is looming between the ANC and IFP. Parties have traded public blows over the IFP-led cabinet's decision to place the ANC-led Umkhanyakude District Municipality under administration. Although ANC's three MECs were part of the meeting that approved the decision, the party provincial task team leadership has publicly defied the cabinet decision and called on its deployees in the municipality to defy the order. On Monday, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi returned without introducing the appointed administrator Bamba Ndwandwe after he and his team were prevented from entering the municipality premises in the north-east of the province. The mayor and senior officials did not attend the meeting. The angry MEC has vowed to ensure that the cabinet decision was implemented. On Wednesday, he said he warned the ANC and threatened to take legal action should it continue to defy the government's decision. 'We will not allow anyone to prevent the government from doing its work. If the ANC continues preventing me from executing my constitutional duties I will take legal action. This is a cabinet decision,' said Buthelezi. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ In a statement, the ANC said it vehemently rejects the unwarranted and politically charged decision by the MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, to invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality. It said the so-called intervention is nothing short of abuse of constitutional provisions for political gain, adding that it lacks merit, rationale, and integrity. 'The ANC is appalled by the continued misuse of Section 139(1)(b) by the MEC, who has turned what should be a last-resort mechanism into a political weapon, one that is selectively and cynically deployed against ANC-led municipalities, regardless of their performance. "The uMkhanyakude District Municipality has made tangible progress in governance, financial recovery, and service delivery. There is no objective basis for this draconian step, which appears designed not to improve governance, but to score narrow political points and destabilise a functional administration,' read the statement. The party said it stands with the Council of uMkhanyakude District Municipality in resisting the opportunistic, mischievous and dangerous actions of a power-mongering MEC who is hell-bent on destabilising a functional municipality and undermining service delivery to communities, vowing to actively mobilise its supporters and communities to resist the advances of an MEC who the party described as having clearly defined himself outside of the GPU. There are fears that the continued souring of relations between these two major partners of the GPU may create instability in the province which is known for its political complexities.
Eyewitness News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
ANC, SACP due to face off in hotly contested Polokwane by-election
POLOKWANE - The gloves are off in Polokwane, Limpopo, as alliance partners, the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), are due to face off in a hotly contested by-election. This is the first time the SACP has fielded its own candidate in an election since resolving in 2024 to no longer contest under the ANC banner. ALSO READ: - ANC appeals to Seshego residents to give the party another chance in by-elections - Polokwane SACP doesn't believe its lack of experience, resources will be a factor in by-elections - Obed Thabana SACP's first councillor candidate for contested Polokwane ward On Wednesday, voters from Polokwane's ward 13 will be casting their vote for a new councillor following the expulsion of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member Mafiwa Leballo for not attending council meetings. SACP councillor candidate Obed Thabana said poor service delivery, water shortages and billing discrepancies are the order of the day in the ANC-run Polokwane municipality. 'Then you have got the Juju Valley VD [voting district], very interesting one - an informal settlement where recently the ANC-led municipality went to demolish the shacks of the people of Juju Valley, saying they are not supposed to stay in Juju Valley.' ANC Limpopo secretary Reuben Madadzhe said formalisation of the Juju Valley informal settlement can only be brought by the ANC. 'What we're assuring the voters is that, give us some time, a chance as the ANC, so that we can link the ward councillor with our government. We are the leading party in the municipality and in the district and provincial administration.' Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema is due to cast his ballot on Wednesday afternoon, as this is his home ward.
