VANDERBIJLPARK – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has questioned the employment status of Emfuleni Local Municipality’s Supply Chain Management Manager.

Jason Mkhwane is reportedly on “sabbatical leave”, but the DA says documents suggest he remains actively involved in municipal procurement decisions and continues to sign official documents.

Although council has confirmed that Mkhwane is on sabbatical, the DA says documents dated 18 May 2026 — which are circulating on social media and in the party’s possession — suggest he continues to be actively involved in municipal supply chain decisions.

According to Maureen Dosoudil, a DA councillor in the Emfuleni Local Municipality, this raises questions about whether he is genuinely on leave or still performing official duties, including why he continues to sign municipal documents.

Mkhwane also serves as Regional Secretary of the ANC’s Sedibeng Regional Executive Committee, adding a political dimension to the matter.

Vaalweekblad has learned that a group of ANC councillors known as the “Vaal 16” have recently written to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula seeking clarity on Mkhwane’s sabbatical status and alleged continued involvement in municipal affairs.

Dosoudil says the DA will submit formal questions to the MEC for Local Government in order to obtain clarity on whether Mkhwane is still being paid, what role he is currently fulfilling, and why he continues to sign official documents while reportedly on leave.

The party has also criticised Emfuleni’s sabbatical leave policy, saying it is unusually generous and may be open to abuse, reportedly allowing officials to retain pension and medical aid benefits for up to three years while potentially earning a salary elsewhere.