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Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has repeatedly dismissed corruption allegations related to the Madikizela-Mandela funeral funds as a “fishing expedition” and “politically motivated,” but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has now confirmed the matter remains under further investigation. These new revelations expose a stark contradiction between the Premier’s claims and the facts.

The Eastern Cape continues to face some of the highest unemployment rates in the country, a stagnant economy, and widespread service delivery failures fuelled by corruption and maladministration. With poverty deepening and infrastructure collapsing, the people of this province cannot afford leaders whose integrity is in doubt. How can we hope to eradicate corruption in the Eastern Cape when the Premier himself refuses to come clean about his own alleged involvement?

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is challenging Premier Mabuyane to release all correspondence and records of engagement between his office and the investigating authorities. If, as he claims, there is nothing to hide, then the public deserves proof of full cooperation.

The investigation centres on the unlawful diversion of funds originally allocated for the funeral of struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Businessman Lonwabo Bam alleges that millions were paid into his company account and distributed to senior government officials, with Premier Mabuyane named among the beneficiaries. It was this matter that the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions initially declined to prosecute in November 2023, a decision now effectively under review.

Despite the Premier repeatedly dismissing the allegations, first in September 2024 as a ‘fishing expedition’ and again in April this year as ‘politically motivated, the NPA has confirmed that the case remains active and under investigation.

The DA has consistently warned that unresolved corruption allegations compromise the Premier’s ability to lead. As far back as 2021, when the Public Protector first implicated him, the DA made it clear that the integrity of this office was at stake.

The people of this province deserve more than empty denials. They deserve leadership that can be trusted to prioritise service delivery, not survival.

The DA will continue to stand for accountability and honest government in the Eastern Cape. A Premier who is unwilling to prove his innocence through transparency cannot restore public confidence. The people of this province deserve leadership built on integrity, not scandal.

Issued by Dr Vicky Knoetze MPL - DA Leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature