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Just Where Are We After R21-Million And 18 Deaths?

By

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Nelson Mandela Bay is fighting to ensure that the 2018 Great Drain Heist is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. In 2018, the Nelson Mandela Bay Council allocated R21 million for a drain-cleaning initiative involving local SMMEs. Despite the funds being approved, the project was never executed, raising concerns of financial mismanagement and corruption.

Earlier this week, 3 December 2024, during a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) meeting, the ANC-led coalition government attempted to close the investigations into this matter, citing the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) and the Hawks’ failure to take legal action.

However, the DA strongly opposed this proposal, believing that further investigation and prosecution are warranted.

After the 2018 launch, allegations surfaced that disputes among SMMEs over funding distribution led to violent. conflict, resulting in at least 18 deaths.

During the MPAC meeting, municipal officials claimed that those involved in the matter are no longer employed by the municipality, suggesting that the issue should be considered closed.

However, significant irregularities in this matter have already come to light, including:

  • Unfinalised contracts: Contracts with SMMEs were neither finalised nor signed;
  • Incomplete invoices: Invoices were submitted without amounts;
  • Falsified attendance registers: Attendance registers were incomplete or falsified
  • Manipulated photographic evidence: Photographic evidence was inconsistent or manipulated to create a false impression of progress.

Despite these findings, the MPAC inexplicably recommended closing the matter.

The DA has called on the Acting City Manager to make a formal request to the National Director of Public Prosecutions for further investigation.

We believe there is sufficient evidence to warrant further action. If the Acting City Manager does not take up this call, we will consider taking up this matter independently.

The issue has now been deferred to the next MPAC standing committee meeting, where internal audit and forensic reports will be reviewed in greater detail.

We remain committed to ensuring that the matter is fully investigated and that those responsible for the mismanagement and loss of life are held accountable.

The DA is in your corner fighting for you Together we can get Nelson Mandela Bay working again.

Regards

Cllr Gert Engelbrecht
DA NMB Spokesperson for MPAC

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