The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Govan Mbeki Municipality is deeply alarmed by the ongoing political interference and misconduct of ANC councillors, who are actively obstructing the delivery of critical sanitation infrastructure to the Eendracht community. “We have formally given the Speaker of Council, Cllr Fikile Magagamela, 14 days to institute an impartial investigation into the alleged misconduct of these councillors, in line with the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and the broader framework of municipal governance,” said a statement from the DA.
The Eendracht Sewer Project, a vital initiative aimed at restoring dignity to a long-neglected community through the provision of improved sanitation infrastructure, is being deliberately delayed. Although the project is geographically and administratively located in Ward 1, ANC councillors from Wards 2, 3 and 6 have repeatedly interfered with its progress, raising serious questions about motive, legality, and political intent.
ANC Factionalism Over Service Delivery
“Instead of supporting the delivery of much-needed infrastructure, these councillors have chosen to hijack the project and sabotage three scheduled community meetings—on 17 June, 26 June, and 3 July 2025—that were organised to brief and engage Ward 1 residents,” said DA PR Cllr Portia Madiyala Mpatlanyane, “The meeting of 26 June even proceeded without the participation of the elected Ward 1 councillor, who received no formal apology or explanation for the exclusion. This constitutes a clear violation of residents’ rights to inclusive governance and community participation, as stipulated in Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act.”
The ANC’s internal factional battles have spilt over into the realm of basic service delivery, with devastating consequences for ordinary residents. Communities should not be held hostage to political power plays or vendettas. The DA strongly condemns this misuse of authority and disruption of lawful processes.
Disruption of the Project Steering Committee
Most recently, on 1 July 2025, a scheduled meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC)—the legally recognised structure responsible for overseeing project delivery—was disrupted by the Ward 3 ANC councillor, with support from their counterparts in Wards 2 and 6. This blatant act of sabotage forced the meeting to be adjourned, leaving both the contractor and community stakeholders confused and demoralised. This repeated interference undermines not only the project’s timeline but also the principles of transparency and good governance that underpin effective service delivery.
The PSC was established in full compliance with the Construction Industry Development Board Act (Act 38 of 2000) and includes key stakeholders such as:
- The MMC for Civil Services (Chairperson)
- The Ward 1 Councillor
- Two PR Councillors from Ward 1
- Appointed contractor
- Project Management Unit
- Director of Civil Engineering
- Water & Sanitation Manager
- Consulting Engineers
- Community Liaison Officer
“This diverse and legally sound structure was created precisely to ensure that the project was executed fairly, transparently, and without undue political influence,” said DA PR Cllr Portia Madiyala Mpatlanyane.
Violations of the Councillors Code of Conduct
The conduct of the involved ANC councillors contravenes the Councillors Code of Conduct, as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). According to this Code, councillors must:
- Act in the best interests of the municipality;
- Perform their duties with integrity and accountability;
- Refrain from obstructing the implementation of council decisions;
- Avoid interference in the administration or areas outside their ward.
“By choosing to interfere with a Ward 1-specific project, these councillors have breached both the spirit and the letter of the law. Their attempts to isolate Eendracht—labelling it an “island†separate from the greater Leandra area—is not only factually incorrect but deeply divisive. It undermines community unity and discredits the legitimate representation of Ward 1 residents,” said Mpatlanyane
Phase 1 Failure Highlights Need for Oversight
It is also important to recall that Phase 1 of the Eendracht Sewer Project failed due to poor municipal management, lack of oversight, and exclusion of the local community. That failure resulted in wasted public funds and incomplete infrastructure. Instead of learning from that experience and strengthening systems of governance, ANC councillors have chosen to double down on disruption and power grabs.
This project aimed to uplift a historically underserved community, one that continues to lack basic sanitation. Every delay, every obstruction, and every political stunt is a direct assault on their right to dignity and development.
The DA’s Position and Call to Action
“As the DA, we stand firm in our commitment to ethical governance, lawful conduct, and accountable service delivery. We call on:
- The immediate cessation of all interference by councillors from Wards 2, 3 and 6 in Ward 1 matters;
- The Speaker of Council to urgently investigate this misconduct and hold the councillors accountable in terms of the Municipal Systems Act;
- The Municipality is to uphold all relevant legislation, including:
- The Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000)
- The Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003)
- The Construction Industry Development Board Act (Act 38 of 2000);
- The immediate reconvening of the Project Steering Committee, with guarantees of non-interference and full legal protection for project stakeholders.”
“This is not merely a political issue, it is a community crisis. The people of Eendracht have waited far too long for the dignity of working infrastructure. The DA will not stand by while the ANC turns critical development into another theatre of corruption, control, and chaos.”
“We remain resolute in protecting the rights of residents and ensuring that service delivery is driven by need, not factional interest,” said Cllr Portia Madiyala Mpatlanyane