The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of siding with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) to protect uThukela Municipal Manager Mr LS Jili from accountability.

The DA claims that Jili failed to honour a R3-million payment to RASP Consultants, despite the municipality having R12 million available, leading to the attachment of the municipal bank account and R31 million in extra interest costs.

They say that the EFF supported the IFP in council, blocking efforts to hold Jili accountable, and plan to escalate the matter to the Auditor-General.

The DA issued the following statement on Wednesday, March 4: 

EFF joins IFP in shielding uThukela MM mismanagement that cost the district R31 million

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in uThukela District notes with concern betrayal of residents by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who have jumped the bandwagon and decided to support the IFP in shielding the Municipal Manager (MM), Mr LS Jili, in a legal dispute that cost the district R31 million.

The MM failed to honour a R3 million payment arrangement with RASP Consultants, despite the bank statement showing a R12 million balance during the time. This ultimately led to the attachment of the bank account and an additional R31 million in interest costs.

Last week’s virtual council meeting saw 15 opposition councillors unite to try and force the Speaker to convene an in-person session for proper accountability on the bank account attachment crisis.

As concerned councillors, we demanded answers on why/how the MM did not act on this matter. We have now confirmed that the two EFF representatives in council flipped sides, joining the IFP to condone Jili’s conduct.

This flip-flop is unconscionable. The EFF, who once rallied against corruption, now props up the corrupt IFP cabal led by Mayor Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala.

This is despite damning evidence against the MM. KZN MEC for Finance, Honourable Francois Rodgers, in his 26 February 2026 letter, exposes Mr Jili’s repeated lies to the council. The MEC states outright: “A review of your bank statement has shown that on the date the instalment was due, the municipality did have funds to honour your commitment. Considering this, the freezing of the bank accounts could have been averted.”

Mr Jili claimed no money in December 2025 due to Equitable Share delays – twice, in official reports to the Council. But bank records prove sufficient money was available. He willfully ignored the court order, triggering clause 7 and saddling us with R31 million in extra interest. At best, this is criminal negligence; at worst, major corruption under the failed IFP leadership.

The IFP appointed Mr Jili despite the DA’s January 2024 warning about his Amajuba scandals – Supply Chain Management (SCM) flouting and irregular spending. Now, they protect him as he redirects funds through the uThukela Development Agency, risking contempt of court as per RASP’s attorneys.

The EFF’s support for condoning illegal loans betrays 700,000 uThukela residents suffering from collapsed basic services and dignity.

Why have EFF councillors sold out to the corrupt IFP? How can they back a lying MM whose deceit has bankrupted uThukela?

The IFP’s protection of this cabal must end – remove Mr Jili now or face the wrath of voters.

The DA will continue to expose the rot; we will escalate this corrupt waste to the Auditor-General for certificates of debt and expose this rot until justice prevails. The EFF’s hypocrisy is sadly laid bare.

By Councillor Thys Janse van Rensburg – DA uThukela Chairperson

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