The DA has escalated its fight against alleged corruption in the City of Ekurhuleni, formally lodging a complaint with the Public Protector of South Africa.

The move follows what the party describes as a “continuous revelation” of corruption within the metro.

Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, has called for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into serious allegations involving senior municipal officials and political actors.

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At the centre of the complaint are claims that officials within the municipality may have influenced city council decisions in exchange for directing public funds to political parties linked to certain councillors.

The DA argues that these allegations, if substantiated, could constitute violations of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and the Political Party Funding Act.

The complaint has been addressed to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, with the DA urging her office to probe what it describes as a potential abuse of power at the highest levels of the municipality.

Among the most serious allegations is that city manager Kagiso Lerutla, in his previous role as group chief financial officer, may have directed millions of rands in public funds to political proxy parties aligned to the ANC.

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According to the DA, these payments were allegedly made as “protection fees” in exchange for political support.

If proven, the party says, this would amount to a coordinated effort to loot public resources and manipulate governance processes for political gain.

The DA has raised several critical questions in its submission, including whether public funds were diverted for political benefit, whether Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza was aware of or complicit in the alleged activities, and whether other political parties, including ActionSA, may have benefited from the scheme.

“These are questions that demand urgent and transparent answers. The misuse of public funds comes at a time when residents are grappling with deteriorating service delivery, including poor road maintenance, unreliable electricity supply, and failing infrastructure. This is a direct betrayal of the residents of Ekurhuleni,” stated Rasilingwane.

She said these funds were meant to improve lives, but have allegedly been redirected to fund backroom political deals.

Reaffirming the party’s stance, she declared that Ekurhuleni is not for sale.

“We vow to continue pursuing accountability and to ensure that those implicated face consequences.”

The Office of the Public Protector is yet to confirm whether it will launch a formal investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, allegations of corruption keep unfolding in the Madlanga Commission.