Two Mandeni councillors are under fire after a leaked recording allegedly captured them demanding a R100 000 bribe for a municipal tender.

The recording is said to feature the councillors negotiating the terms of the bribe with a local contractor, sparking widespread outrage and concern among residents and political leaders.

Mandeni municipal speaker Phindile Sishi confirmed that the matter has been formally escalated to her office and is currently being addressed internally.

“The municipality reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and maladministration. We urge all staff and councillors to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the execution of their duties,” said Sishi.

The names of the councillors implicated in the scandal have not yet been released.

Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in Mandeni, Kuben Naicker, expressed outrage over what he described as “disturbing and deeply concerning” conduct, reportedly involving an ANC ward councillor.

“Municipal institutions have been reduced to centres of political patronage, tender manipulation and extortion, while residents are left to suffer without access to basic services,” said Naicker.

The DA is calling for a full forensic audit of all tenders awarded by the municipality over the past two years to uncover any further irregularities.

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