Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader Gerhard Strydom said the City of Matlosana’s ANC-majority Council concluded its final term meeting on 29 September 2026, leaving behind what he describes as a severe legacy of financial mismanagement, weak leadership, and compromised accountability.
Strydom indicated that under the ANC’s majority leadership, the municipality’s debt has ballooned to a staggering R12.5 billion, shifting an unprecedented financial burden onto local ratepayers. The DA highlights that throughout the term, the council repeatedly hesitated and deflected when critical, difficult decisions were required to protect public funds and maintain municipal capacity.
The opposition further pointed to extreme governance breakdowns, noting that court orders were ultimately required to compel the ANC-majority Council to act lawfully regarding a criminally charged Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Strydom argued that the necessity of judicial intervention exposes a deep-seated disregard for the rule of law and an environment where administrative failures carried no internal consequences.
“The municipality also reached a point where court orders were required to compel the ANC-majority Council to act lawfully in relation to a criminally charged CFO. The need for court intervention raises serious concerns about governance, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“As history records the failures of this term, the role played by the Democratic Alliance must also be recognised. The DA has consistently stood firm, raised concerns about governance failures, and played a decisive role in exposing fraud and corruption within the municipality,” said Strydom.
As the city prepares for the local government elections on 4 November 2026, the DA has positioned itself as the decisive force responsible for exposing fraud and corruption within the municipality over the last 30 years of ANC rule.
The opposition is urging residents to vote for a change in governance, promising to restore fiscal discipline, protect public money, and create a stable economic environment capable of attracting business investment and job growth.
“A well-run municipality is also essential to creating an environment where businesses can invest, grow and create jobs. Matlosana needs a government that restores municipal capacity, protects residents’ money and gets the city working for all.
“Residents of Matlosana must Vote DA on 4 November for a government that delivers reliable services, protects public money and creates opportunities for all. Vote DA to get Matlosana working for all,” Strydom said.
