The DA announced on Thursday that it will lay criminal charges against 10 municipal managers across nine municipalities, labelling these officials the "worst" in the country due to systemic financial negligence.

DA Parliamentary leader George Michalakis stated that the targeted officials have presided over a decade of “financial chaos”.

The charges are based on consecutive "disclaimed audit opinions" from the Auditor-General and the DA has accused these municipalities of regularly ignoring official recommendations and failing to submit basic financial statements.

According to Michalakis, local resources are being "milked dry" while citizens are left without basic services.

The criminal charges target 10 specific administrators across four provinces.

• Free State: Majalefa Matlole of Masilonyana, Mokete Solomon Nhlapo of Nketoana, Mopedi Mohale of Mohokare, Matthews Mofokeng of Maluti-A-Phofung, and Futhulu Patrick Mothamaha, a former manager.
• North West: Olaotse Bojosinvane of Ditsobotla and Olehile Allan Losaba of Ngaka Modiri Molema.
• Eastern Cape: Thabiso Klaas of Sundays River Valley and Pumelelo Maxwell Kate of Makana.
• Western Cape: Advocate Dillo Sereo of Kannaland.

Notably, this is the second time the DA has taken aim at Makana’s Kate. The party laid charges against him last year for the ongoing environmental pollution of the Kowie River.

The DA is pursuing these cases under Section 173(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, which criminalises gross financial negligence, material accounting irregularities and supplying false information to the Auditor-General.

The DA stated that the ANC has historically "recycled" failing officials by moving them between different State roles.

DA National Spokesperson Karabo Khakhau stated that the party's objective is to force these individuals into the criminal justice system.

Khakhau reiterated that local governance must pivot toward merit-based appointments, strict accountability, and continuous skills development.