The DA in Zululand District Municipality has formally written to the Municipal Manager, Sibongiseni Mosia, seeking answers and calling for accountability on the R30 million payment reflected in the Section 71 Municipal Financial Report for July.
According to the report, the payment was made to Acumen Consultants. According to information we have, the consultants were to help the municipality with attracting investors and grants, following which they would receive a commission.
This matter was raised during the Council Meeting held on 26 August 2026, where the Municipal Manager was called upon to provide clarity on the payment and concerns were raised regarding contradictions in the explanations provided.
It was agreed that a further engagement would take place involving the Director General of CoGTA, a representative from the Auditor-General’s Office, the Council and representatives from Acumen. However, the meeting did not take place.
The DA therefore seeks answers on the following issues of concerns:
– What informed and authorised this payment, and what supporting documentation or proof of evidence (POE) can be provided?
– Where in the approved municipal budget was the R30 million sourced from?
– Was there Council approval for the payment and the arrangement involving Acumen, including any activation fee?
– What are the specific deliverables associated with the R30 million and how has the money been utilised?
– Why does Acumen not appear to be consistently represented in these engagements despite being central to the programme?
– In what capacity is the Municipal Manager communicating on behalf of both the municipality and Acumen, particularly where statements are issued jointly? Is Acumen operating independently from the municipality?
The DA calls on the Municipal Manager to provide a clear written response within 48 hours. Both Council and the public have a right to know about the R30 million payment, who authorised the payment, who controls the funds and how the money is being utilised.
Should a satisfactory response not be received within the requested time frame, the DA will escalate the matter to CoGTA and Provincial Treasury.
The DA is committed to clean governance, transparency, and accountability on the usage of public monies. Residents deserve to know how their money is spent.