Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Nhlonipho Dlamini has accused Nkomazi Local Municipality spokesperson Mbuso Malale of misleading residents by claiming that service delivery is improving. Dlamini alleges that the municipality is in severe financial distress, failing to pay service providers over R50 million for services rendered.
Financial Crisis and Unpaid Workers
During a recent interview, Dlamini revealed that the municipality is operating on an “unfunded budget,” with a staggering R720 million allocated for salaries out of a R1.03 billion equitable share from the Treasury.
“The municipality is not in good standing financially,” Dlamini stated. “We are failing to deliver services and may soon struggle to pay employees.”
He also highlighted an alleged R81.4 million embezzlement scandal and disclosed that the municipality ended the 2024 financial year with a negative cash balance of R188.2 million.
Workers Left Unpaid
Dlamini supported claims by municipal workers and security personnel who say they have gone unpaid for months. He dismissed Malale’s argument that global economic challenges were to blame, calling it a diversion.
“The municipality spokesperson is misleading the public,” Dlamini said. “You cannot blame international issues for local mismanagement.”
He suggested that the municipality could save money by insourcing security personnel instead of outsourcing, as it currently spends over R30 million on a three-year contract with service providers.
Service Delivery Claims Disputed
Malale had insisted that residents have seen improvements in service delivery, but Dlamini countered this, stating that critical projects—such as water treatment facilities—have been stalled for over a year.
“How can service delivery be improving when we owe service providers R50 million and essential projects are abandoned?” Dlamini asked.
Criminal Charges Against Mayor
The DA has also laid criminal charges against the Nkomazi mayor, alleging that she admitted in a radio interview to paying R40,000 for an illegal electricity connection at her home while other residents remain without power.
Dlamini accused Malale of being evasive about the matter, saying, “The spokesperson keeps denying knowledge of these issues, but the mayor’s admission is public record.”
DA Pushing for Accountability
Dlamini said the DA is submitting proposals to address the municipality’s financial and governance failures. “We hope the current leadership will start taking our proposals seriously to restore functionality,” he said.
The Nkomazi Municipality has yet to provide an official response to the allegations.