The Tsepo Davids Foundation condemns what it believes to be the continued misuse of Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s resources by Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha for African National Congress (ANC) political activities ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
We are particularly concerned about reports and observations that the Mayor is being accompanied and supported during ANC political activities by municipal-owned vehicles, VIP protection officers, municipal security personnel and Matjhabeng traffic officers using blue-light escorts.
These resources are funded by Matjhabeng’s ratepayers and taxpayers. They are intended to serve all residents and support the Mayor when carrying out official municipal responsibilities, not to facilitate the election campaign of a political party.
Municipal resources must never be used to advance party-political interests at the expense of the public
The Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000), specifically Schedule 1, prohibits councillors from using municipal resources, property and facilities for private or party-political purposes. It also prohibits councillors from using their positions to obtain political or private advantages.
Furthermore, the Municipal Finance Management Act (56 of 2003) places clear responsibilities on municipal officials to ensure that public funds are properly managed and that irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure is prevented.
The Constitution also requires public administration to operate efficiently, economically and impartially. The use of municipal resources to support the activities of one political party raises serious questions about these principles.
The Electoral Code of Conduct further reinforces the importance of fair elections and prohibits the abuse of positions of power and public resources to influence electoral processes.
These are serious concerns that warrant proper investigation and accountability.
What makes this situation particularly unacceptable is the state of service delivery in Matjhabeng. Communities continue to struggle with water shortages, sewage running through streets, uncollected refuse and inadequate access to water tankers, including for senior citizens and students.
While residents are battling these daily challenges, municipal vehicles, fuel and personnel should be prioritised for municipal responsibilities and the delivery of essential services.
It is unacceptable for ratepayers to carry the cost of political campaigning. The ANC, like every other political party, must take responsibility for its own campaign transport, security and logistical arrangements.
The Tsepo Davids Foundation calls on the Municipal Manager to immediately investigate these allegations and ensure that municipal vehicles, traffic officers, security personnel and VIP protection services are not deployed for ANC political activities.
A call for full disclosure of any municipal expenditure incurred
We further call for a full disclosure of any municipal expenditure incurred in connection with these activities, including fuel, vehicle mileage, overtime and security costs. Where unauthorised expenditure is established, the appropriate steps must be taken to recover the money and hold those responsible accountable.
The Mayor must also explain why municipal resources are allegedly being used in connection with party-political activities.
Public resources belong to the people of Matjhabeng. They must be used to serve the community, not to secure political support.
The people of Matjhabeng deserve accountable leadership, responsible financial management and improved service delivery – not the use of their money to fund political campaigns.
- Tshepo William Davids is a South African community leader, former mining unionist, and political figure from Bronville, Welkom.
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