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The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to authorise the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration, corruption and financial misconduct at the uMzinyathi District Municipality.

The signing of Proclamation 305 of 2026, which covers allegations from 1 March 2020 to 21 November 2025, is a critical step towards restoring accountability, transparency and good governance in a municipality that has long been affected by serious concerns around financial management and procurement practices.

The DA has consistently raised concerns about irregular procurement, the misuse of public funds and the lack of consequence management at uMzinyathi. The SIU’s investigation into contracts relating to fuel storage tanks, fuel supply, and the leasing and purchase of a generator for the Vants Drift Water Treatment Plant underscores the seriousness of these allegations and their direct impact on service delivery.

Communities in uMzinyathi have borne the brunt of years of alleged maladministration, while those responsible have largely escaped accountability. The DA therefore views this investigation as both necessary and long overdue. It aligns with the DA’s core principles that public funds must be managed lawfully, transparently and in the best interests of residents, and that no individual should be above the law.

The DA fully supports the SIU’s mandate to recover financial losses suffered by the state, refer evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority, and institute civil proceedings where wrongdoing is uncovered. This investigation must proceed without political interference, intimidation of whistle-blowers, or attempts to shield those implicated.

We call on the leadership and administration of uMzinyathi District Municipality to cooperate fully with the SIU and to prioritise the interests of residents above factional or political considerations.

The people of uMzinyathi deserve a municipality that works, one that delivers services effectively, manages public resources responsibly, and is held accountable when it fails. The DA will continue to monitor this investigation closely and will take further action where necessary to protect the public interest.

Issued by Cllr Sibusiso Tau Mbatha - DA uMzinyathi Councillor