Ekurhuleni officials concealing damning audit report must go

Issued by Cllr Michael Waters – DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Chief Whip
01 Feb 2024 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Please find a soundbite here

Ekurhuleni’s Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana, City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi and MMC of Finance Nkululeko Dunga are hiding adverse findings from the Auditor General’s draft report. The Mayor’s silence and the Speaker’s misleading statements seem to make them complicit in a cover-up.

The DA can confirm that on the 19th of November 2023 the Auditor General submitted its draft report to the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) and informed the Speaker of Council on the 1st of December 2023 of the audit delay.

The Speaker has misled Council by stating that no report from the AG had been received by the CoE. The Mayor also misled the Council by remaining silent and allowing Councillors to be misled.

Let’s be clear: the Mayor’s silence and the Speaker’s misleading statements seem to make them complicit in a cover-up. The DA calls for their immediate resignations – they should walk before they’re pushed, salvaging any shred of dignity they might have left.

The DA has serious doubts about the municipality’s compliance with legislative requirements. We’re seeking answers about the Audit Report’s whereabouts, but the City remains evasive, raising concerns of potential alterations to the findings.

The DA is adamant about ensuring the presentation of an untainted and untouched Audit Report in Council. Our focus is on accountability and upholding the integrity of our municipality.

The broader picture reveals a municipality in crisis. Streets are in disarray, Eskom bills remain unpaid, and there are alarming allegations of looting within the EFF. Nkululeko Dunga, the EFF Finance MMC, is under scrutiny for lavish spending while the municipality crumbles.

These issues underscore the urgency of responsible governance. The EFF’s looting and plundering is a severe detriment to their ability to lead and deliver essential services.

Ekurhuleni deserves better, and the DA will not rest until the truth is uncovered and accountability is restored.