The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the
City of Matlosana expresses serious concern over the continued disregard for a legally binding oversight process that must be undertaken by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).
In terms of Section 129 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), MPAC is required to consider the
Auditor-General’s report and table its oversight findings before Council by no later than 31 March each financial year. This process is critical to ensuring accountability for the use of public funds.
MPAC, established in terms of Section 79 of the Municipal Structures Act (117 of 1998), is intended to function as an independent oversight body reporting to Council. However, in Matlosana, this process has repeatedly been delayed, with the committee failing to meet its legislative deadlines due to ongoing disruptions and a lack of consistent participation by certain members.
The composition of the committee which includes a majority of
ANC councillors and is chaired by an ANC representative, raises further concerns about the effectiveness of oversight, as it creates a situation where the governing party is effectively expected to hold itself accountable.
During the current oversight process, it has become evident that some councillors selectively attend sessions, particularly where there may be vested interests, while failing to attend other critical engagements without valid reason. This undermines the integrity of the entire process.
On 9 April 2026, the committee was scheduled, for the fourth time, to engage with the
Technical and Infrastructure Department, which has recorded some of the poorest performance outcomes under the leadership of
Mr Nelson Mongale, who has since been appointed as Acting Municipal Manager.
However, the meeting could not proceed due to a lack of quorum after four ANC councillors, one EFF councillor, and one
F4SD councillor failed to attend, submitting late apologies only after councillors and senior management had already convened.
This repeated failure to form a quorum has directly prevented the committee from fulfilling its constitutional and legislative mandate.
The
Speaker of Council, as the custodian of council processes and discipline, has been made aware of this pattern of non-attendance but has yet to take any meaningful action to address it.
While the committee’s work plan had to be adjusted due to additional council meetings, this does not justify the continued obstruction and failure to conclude a legally required process.
The DA will continue to closely monitor this matter and apply pressure to ensure that:
The MPAC process is urgently concluded
Councillors are held accountable for non-attendance and obstruction
The municipality complies fully with the provisions of the MFMA
Residents of Matlosana deserve transparency, accountability, and proper oversight of public funds. The continued failure to finalise this process undermines public trust and weakens governance.
The DA remains committed to ensuring adherence to the law and holding all those responsible accountable.
