Note to editors: Please find attached soundbite by Tim Brauteseth MPL
-Special Tribunal declares project unlawful and constitutionally invalid
-Ruling reflects the very issues the DA has been raising for years
-eThekwini Municipality must comply fully with Tribunal’s order
The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomes the Special Tribunal’s ruling, declaring eThekwini’s Phoenix housing contracts both unlawful and constitutionally invalid. This judgment is a decisive step towards restoring accountability within a municipality plagued by irregular procurement and failed oversight.
The DA has consistently raised concerns around the Phoenix housing project. Residents endured poor quality housing, evictions and the loss of open spaces while contracts were unlawfully renewed without proper tender processes.
In 2021, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) released a report highlighting these irregularities. Since then, the DA has relentlessly engaged with the SIU, pressing for enforcement of its recommendations and demanding action against those responsible.
It is clear that our sustained pressure and oversight have contributed to this outcome. The Tribunal’s ruling reflects the very issues the DA has been raising for years;
• Unlawful appointments
• Failure to maintain records and;
• The municipality’s refusal to revoke irregular contracts.
The fact that eThekwini Municipality did not oppose the SIU’s application underscores its disregard for accountability. The DA calls on the municipality
to comply fully with the Tribunal’s order, run a lawful tender process, and explain why it should not pay costs.
The DA will always stand with the residents of Phoenix. They deserve affordable, quality housing delivered through lawful and transparent processes, not decades of irregular deals that undermine trust in government.
This ruling is a victory for residents and a vindication of the DA’s commitment to accountability. We will continue to fight for clean governance, lawful procurement, and service delivery that puts communities first.