The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality confirmed that it has formally withdrawn from the Investigation Committee tasked with probing allegations of wrongdoing by the Executive Mayor Fikile Mahlophe.
“The DA cannot continue to participate in a process hijacked by factional agendas. We call on the Speaker to immediately table the report before the Council so that due process can be followed and justice is not obstructed.”
City Press reported Mahlophe was found to have a serious case of misconduct to answer.
The committee recommended disciplinary action for the procurement of furniture. A report found him guilty of financial misconduct and disregarding supply chain procedures.
The ad hoc committee’s report — which was presented to the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo — found Mahlophe to be in contravention of Section 11 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
His purchase of a new conference table and leather chairs, ignoring procedures and not attempting to repair the existing furniture first.
The DA said its decision to withdraw follows mounting evidence that the process has been deliberately manipulated to shield ANC leaders from accountability.
“The Committee completed its work in June, with the final report handed to the Speaker on 22 July 2025. A special council meeting was then requested for 23 July, but the Speaker declined, claiming insufficient notice. “At the next opportunity, a special council meeting on 25 August, the report was again withheld.
After this repeated failure to table the report, it became clear to the DA that the Speaker is playing for time to protect the ANC from further embarrassment amid growing public pressure,” said the party in a statement. The DA strongly believes that the alleged manipulation is inspired by deep factional battles within the ANC in Matlosana. The party claimed that the Council Speaker Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya and Chief Whip Rosy Thabanchu back one grouping and Mahlophe leads another. “The report also implicates a Mayoral Committee Member aligned with the Speaker’s faction, providing further motive for its suppression. While direct instructions from the ANC provincial leadership cannot be proven, all indications point to political interference aimed at preventing further damage to the party’s image.
The DA indicated it will continue to pursue every avenue available to ensure accountability and defend the principles of clean, transparent governance for the people of Matlosana.
