The iLembe district municipality is facing public and parliamentary scrutiny over claims that nearly R15-million in public money was improperly spent over the past two years.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) last month launched an investigation into the municipality following allegations of procurement irregularities and maladministration submitted by a member of the public. While the Courier has not seen the original complaint, the committee’s summary in a letter to the municipality outlines several major concerns.

At the centre of the investigation is the rental of a privately owned building in KwaDukuza intended for municipal offices. According to the letter, the municipality has allegedly spent more than R3-million on rental fees and a further R11.7-million modifying the property. It is also alleged the Auditor-General disputed a deviation during the procurement process and that the building was never occupied due to structural and safety concerns.

Other allegations involve defective water tankers accepted despite not being fit for purpose, laptops paid for but never received and the use of an unregistered IT system.

The municipality’s hiring practices have also come under scrutiny. According to the letter, a manager was allegedly appointed without the required qualifications and remedial action recommended by the Public Protector was not implemented.

iLembe communications manager Sipho Mkhize said the Committee had agreed to extend the deadline for response from the municipality to May 19.

“IDM remains committed to the principles of good governance and transparency and assures the public and its stakeholders that it treats these allegations with the utmost seriousness,” he said, while stating that the response would be made public once available.

“Appropriate action will be taken with urgency should internal investigations substantiate the allegations.”
iLembe DA caucus leader Krsna Sing said concerns about the building rental had been raised repeatedly.

“From the inception of the lease agreement, we consistently raised red flags in-committee regarding the procurement and suitability of the building, particularly because it was originally a warehouse and not appropriate for use as municipal office space,” he said.

ActionSA caucus leader Annet Michelle Sewraj called for a transparent investigation.

“The reckless misuse of public funds is an insult to residents who deserve accountable and ethical governance,” she said.