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The DA is calling on Premier Stanly Mathabatha to ensure that his executive acts decisively on the recommendations made by the SIU and ensure that those guilty of offence are dealt with swiftly.

Recent revelations in the Special Investigating Unit’s Report to Parliament have shown the extent to which Limpopo local government officials looted state coffers.

The Limpopo SIU are investigating 6 municipalities (2 have been finalised) and Mokgalakwena local and Sekhukhune district municipalities  are currently being investigated by the national SIU.

It is concerning that 3 of the 5 district municipalities, Sekhukhune, Mopani and Vhembe are under investigation and only Vhembe district’s report has been finalised.

Currently, there are 99 cases referred for disciplinary and executive action, and a further 89 referred to the National Prosecuting Authority. 35 referrals were made for administrative action.

48 officials from the Mopani District municipality have been referred to the NPA for criminal activities including fraud and contraventions of the MPFA and  19 officials from Sekhukhune District are referred to the NPA for fraud, theft, forgery and contraventions of the MFMA.

The full extent of financial losses incurred is yet to be determined, but there are currently 3 civil actions on dodgy contracts worth R544 265 616 underway.

To date only R40 484 has been recovered through acknowledgement of debts agreements.

The SIU reveals procurement irregularities, poor record keeping, employment irregularities, poor leadership, poor governance, inadequate risk management and lack of consequence management  as some reasons behind the rampant corruption.

The Democratic Alliance welcomes the report and the steps taken by the SIU to date, to deal with these matters.

We cannot allow these rotten cadres to remain in public service. They must be dismissed and where relevant, criminal cases must be opened.

The DA has taken note of the various criminal and civil proceedings mentioned in the report and will be monitoring these closely.

Issued by Desiree van der Walt MPL - DA Provincial Spokesperson on The Office of the Premier