“On 21 August 2025 the Services to Our People’s Party (STOPP) submitted a formal complaint regarding allegations of undisclosed overpayments made from municipal funds to Councillor Jakobus (Koos) Daniels and Councillor Adam du Plooy.
Formal notification was given to the Western Cape Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for further oversight assessment.
Aside from alleged overpayments to serving councillors, the complaint raised concerns about failure to disclose these, their subsequent writing-off and the lack of transparency surrounding the decision-making processes surrounding this.
For many this may well raise questions about transparency in financial governance and accountability, and issues of public trust.
Although receipt of our correspondence was acknowledged on 22 August 2025 no substantive response, investigation outcome or corrective action has been communicated to STOPP or the residents of Bergrivier.
The continued absence of public disclosure and visible provincial intervention is deeply concerning. Given the oversight responsibilities called for by Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act and the accountability provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act, STOPP calls for written confirmation of due process within seven days regarding public disclosure of the exact amounts allegedly overpaid, the period in which such payments occurred and the basis for any write-off or non-recovery decision.
It calls for the institution of an independent forensic or governance investigation into the overpayments, the officials involved, the recovery processes followed and compliance with applicable legislation.
A review of any write-off decisions pending the outcome of such investigation, with consideration given to the recovery of any irregular payments identified, is called for. Also, referral of any evidence of misconduct to the appropriate disciplinary, regulatory or criminal authorities where it’s warranted.
Failure to provide a substantive response and clear indication of intended action within seven days will induce STOPP to consider escalating the matter through all available lawful channels, including the Public Protector, PAIA applications, oversight institutions, law-enforcement agencies and public engagement.
Residents and ratepayers of Bergrivier are entitled to transparent, accountable and lawful governance. Allegations involving undisclosed councillor overpayments, unexplained write-offs and prolonged institutional silence require urgent and credible intervention.” STOPP Party
“This matter originated from a bona fide administrative error made in 2019 in Bergrivier Municipality, in that councillors were compensated as full-time councillors (because they physically worked full-time).This was reported to our Council and the MEC for Local Government, and all documents were exposed and dealt with.”
Matthew Sheldon (Bergrivier Municipality)
