Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The findings by the Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA), which revealed that Matlosana Municipality has accumulated more than R11 billion in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure were met with outrage. This figure has nearly doubled from R6 billion in 2021/22, showing the extent of corruption, mismanagement, and a total collapse of accountability in the Municipality, said the Public Servants Association (PSA) in a press statement.
“Dedicated workers are overstretched, and communities remain underserved, yet municipalities continue to misuse billions meant for development and service delivery. It is unacceptable that whilst departments struggle to fill vacant posts, public money is being looted and wasted in municipalities without consequence,’’ the statement reads
The PSA views the situation in Matlosana as a direct reflection of failed leadership and broken governance systems. “The SCOPA findings expose deliberate manipulation of financial systems, weak internal controls, and a lack of oversight that enables corruption to thrive. The admission of double payments amounting to over R5 million to service providers shows a clear intent to defraud the public purse.’’
The PSA is equally disturbed by the pattern of scapegoating junior employees whilst senior managers and directors who authorise and benefit from these illegal transactions are shielded from accountability. Oversight structures such as the Municipal Public Accounts Committee and Internal Audit have failed in their mandate to prevent financial misconduct.
The PSA demands a full forensic audit on all unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure transactions. All implicated officials and service providers must be suspended pending investigation. The Provincial Treasury and Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs must enforce strict financial controls, restore accountability, and stop the bleeding of public funds. The Municipality must make the audit findings public to restore transparency and rebuild public trust.
The PSA calls on the Auditor-General and the Hawks to move swiftly to prosecute those involved.
