The troubled Emfuleni Local Municipality is under fresh scrutiny after it emerged that nearly R24 million has been paid to suspended officials, including one accountant who has reportedly received close to R6 million while sidelined for years at taxpayers’ expense.
The revelations, uncovered through questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, have ignited outrage over what the Democratic Alliance (DA) described as a blatant failure of governance and accountability in one of Gauteng’s most troubled municipalities.
DA Emfuleni mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala said the figures expose a shocking misuse of public funds at a time when residents are battling collapsing infrastructure and poor service delivery.
“The municipality has spent nearly R24 million paying employees who remain on suspension,” Chabalala said.
“Even more disturbing is the case of a single accountant who has reportedly received close to R6 million while being suspended since 2019.”
He described the situation as “a blatant failure of governance and accountability,” warning that unresolved disciplinary processes are draining public funds with little urgency to conclude them.
The situation has triggered sharp political reaction and mounting pressure, prompting Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo to step in and demand immediate action.
Mamabolo confirmed that at least 22 employees have remained on suspension with pay between 2019 and 2026, raising alarm over the ballooning financial burden on the municipality.
“Of particular concern is the escalating cost to the municipality in legal fees and related expenses while this matter remains unresolved. The municipality must conclude it without further delay,” he said.
The MEC has directed the Local Government Turnaround Strategy Workstream on Governance to intervene and ensure the long-standing disciplinary cases are finalised.
The latest revelations add to mounting pressure on the ANC-led administration in Emfuleni, which has faced sustained criticism over financial mismanagement and deteriorating service delivery.
Chabalala said the continued payment of millions to suspended officials reflects a municipality in crisis, where accountability mechanisms have effectively broken down.
“At a time when residents are struggling with poor service delivery and failing infrastructure, millions are being wasted on unresolved disciplinary processes with no sense of urgency.”
He added that the situation underscores broader governance failures within the municipality, accusing leadership of failing to act decisively despite longstanding issues.
The Star