Yesterday, the Msunduzi Municipality resolved to terminate the controversial Royal AM sponsorship contract.
This is a victory for residents and the DA, who have been at the forefront calling for this contract to be terminated and for monies to be spent on service delivery.
In October 2023, the DA served both the Msunduzi Municipality and Royal AM football club with court papers following their refusal to accede to our demands over the illegal R27 million sponsorship of the club.
The DA followed this up by submitting a motion in Council in January 2025 calling for the municipality to review and terminate this contract.
In February 2025, the Pietermaritzburg High Court reserved judgement in the matter, and advised that the court will notify all parties of the outcome in due time.
While this action by the municipality will not affect the final court judgment regarding this matter which has been led by the DA, we do welcome this decision which will prevent any further public funds from being wasted on this irregular arrangement.
The DA remains steadfast in its call for accountability which is why we seek a personal costs order against officials and politicians for this shocking waste of public money. We look forward to the court’s ruling on the unlawful nature of the sponsorship and the serious irregularities that surrounded the awarding of the contract.
Let us not forget that this abuse of money has been championed by the ANC Mayor, Mzimkhulu Thebolla and who has been protected and defended by parties like the IFP, EFF and PA.
We are equally committed to ensuring that:
– All funds already disbursed to Royal AM under this unlawful agreement are recovered;
– Councillors who supported the irregular sponsorship are surcharged for the financial loss;
– Any recovered monies are ring-fenced exclusively for service delivery improvements in Msunduzi.
This has been a long and difficult fight. But it is one that has once again shown that the DA means business when it comes to restoring dignity, integrity, and financial responsibility in the governance of Msunduzi.
We will not relent until those responsible are held accountable and the residents of Msunduzi receive the quality services they deserve