The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Okhahlamba has written to KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Francois Rodgers MPL, calling for an independent forensic investigation into the decision of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) to write off more than R20 million in irregular expenditure.
The DA has urged the MEC to immediately appoint an independent forensic auditor to probe the municipality’s finances and provide guidance on stabilising Okhahlamba’s financial management.
This comes just months after the municipality faced a crippling financial crisis, where it could not pay staff salaries and had to approach Provincial Treasury for ring-fenced funds to cover wages.
The irregular expenditure stems largely from questionable tenders over December 2024 to rehabilitate gravel roads that were never part of the approved annual project plan.
Despite the seriousness of these findings, MPAC has resolved to write off the funds without any formal investigation.
A forensic investigation is critical to uncover the truth and to hold those responsible to account.
The DA remains committed to ensuring accountability, transparency, and good governance in Okhahlamba, and will continue to fight against the misuse of public funds that directly affects service delivery and the livelihoods of residents.