DA questions use of public funds by GMM

The soccer tournament in question took place from December 15 to 30 last year, with teams from various municipal wards competing for significant cash prizes.

April 4, 2025

Mphikeleli Masangu 2 minutes read

Vusumuzi Mbokazi, the MMC for Civil Engineering, agrees that he is involved with the Tesh Foundation yet disagrees that community funds were used for the December soccer tournament.

The DA in Govan Mbeki Municipality has raised concerns over the alleged misuse of public funds to sponsor a soccer tournament organised by the Tesh Foundation.

The foundation is reportedly affiliated with Vusumuzi Mbokazi, the MMC for Civil Engineering. The soccer tournament in question took place from December 15 to 30 last year, with teams from various municipal wards competing for significant cash prizes.

The first prize was R100 000, the second prize R50 000 and the third prize R25 000. Portia Mpatlanyane, a DA PR councillor, revealed that the party is seeking clarity on the foundation’s relationship with the municipality due to its ties with Mbokazi.

The DA has officially filed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application requesting the municipality to disclose all the foundations they fund and details on how the funds are utilised.

“Our municipality is not in a financial position to fund foundations that host social events,” said Mpatlanyane.

“Taxpayers’ money is not meant for enriching selected individuals while the poor continue to suffer. Section 10 (5) of the National Treasury’s Cost Containment Regulations prohibits municipalities from financing social or sporting events.

“The DA expressed disbelief at the possibility that the municipality, which faces ongoing financial challenges and severe water shortages, could contravene these regulations. Residents suffered from a serious water crisis last year, and our municipality operates at a deficit.

“It is unacceptable to fund a soccer tournament under such circumstances.”

When the DA tried to verify whether the Tesh Foundation received municipal funding, Mbokazi reportedly dismissed the inquiry, stating that the foundation is not accountable to councillors or the council.

Govan Mbeki Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma directed the DA to approach the foundation for answers. In response, Mbokazi informed the Ridge Times that he had declared his other interests to the municipality.

He asserted that the tournament was financed by private donors and sponsors, with no municipal funds involved.

“The Tesh Foundation is autonomous from the municipality. It does not account to the council or councillors but to SARS and other government agencies that oversee NPOs. People need to stop spreading false information about the Foundation,” said Mbokazi.

Mpatlanyane said the DA remains determined to uncover the truth and gave the municipality 30 days to disclose the list of funded foundations. Failure to comply could lead to the matter being reported to the Public Protector for a thorough investigation.