JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The City of Johannesburg has intensified its crackdown on corruption by referring 13 alleged financial misconduct cases, totaling over R4 billion, to an independent disciplinary board. Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance Loyiso Masuku confirmed the referrals, signaling a decisive move to recover lost taxpayer funds and enforce strict accountability within the metro.
The investigations center on widespread non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and supply chain management legislation. According to Masuku, the alleged infractions span a range of irregularities, including unauthorized procurement, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, the continued use of expired contract panels, late payment penalties, and payments for services that were allegedly never delivered.
Stressing the importance of due process, Masuku noted that the city is meticulously adhering to Sections 171 and 172 of the MFMA. While the identities of the implicated officials and companies remain sealed for now to avoid casting premature aspersions, the Deputy Mayor assured residents that these details will be made public once the disciplinary board concludes its investigation and tables the final report before the city council.
To maximize the recovery of the staggering R4 billion in public funds, the city is actively collaborating with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). Masuku highlighted that the city will continue to pursue accountability and financial recovery even if implicated officials have since resigned or moved to other government institutions or municipalities, emphasizing that taxpayer money remains protected regardless of an individual’s current employment status.
Regarding the current employment status of the accused, Masuku explained that preliminary investigations will determine whether Section 56 employees (senior officials appointed by the council) are placed on special leave or suspended. For other municipal staff, standard Labour Relations Act procedures will be followed by their immediate supervisors pending the outcomes of the probes.
The announcement comes amid mounting public scrutiny over municipal accountability. During a recent joint parliamentary hearing, CoGTA Committee chairperson Dr. Zweli Mkhize criticized local administrations, specifically citing Johannesburg, for allegedly using “legal red tape” to shield corrupt officials while residents endure poor service delivery.
Responding to these concerns, Masuku firmly rejected the notion that the city is protecting wrongdoers. She stated that the administration is duty-bound to follow the law and is actively fast-tracking its processes in line with strong recommendations from the Auditor-General and parliamentary committees.
“We cannot shield any officials,” Masuku asserted, adding that those found guilty will face the full might of the law without the city hiding behind procedural red tape. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and ensuring that state resources are utilized effectively for the service delivery residents deserve.
