Emfuleni Local Municipality is under investigation after documents revealed that trucks and bakkies paid for through a National Treasury contract were allegedly never delivered, while graders purchased for municipal work broke down soon after arrival.
Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi / Independent Newspapers
How did more than R16 million in taxpayers’ money vanish into vehicles that never existed or broke down almost immediately?
The Emfuleni Local Municipality is under investigation after trucks, graders and bakkies were allegedly purchased through Maboela Forestry and Construction via the RT57-2019 National Treasury contract, but many were never delivered or quickly became unusable.
The RT57-2019 contract is a National Treasury panel of approved suppliers intended to ensure transparency and fair pricing in government procurement. However, documents reviewed by The Star suggest the rules may have been flouted.
Investigators allege that six UD trucks and eight Toyota Hilux bakkies paid for by the municipality were never delivered. Three SANY SMG200-3 graders that were supplied reportedly became inoperable shortly after delivery due to recurring mechanical failures.
According to documents seen by The Star, the graders were supplied with manuals written only in Mandarin, leaving municipal operators unable to properly operate or maintain the equipment.
The documents also flag several irregularities in the procurement process, including duplicate engine numbers, invoices stamped and signed as proof of delivery despite vehicles not being received, and vehicles registered to third parties instead of the municipality.
Municipal employees are also allegedly at the centre of the irregularities.
Investigators claim invoices were signed off certifying delivery of vehicles that had not been received. The fleet manager reportedly signed invoices confirming delivery, while the acting assistant fleet manager signed as the receiving official despite the vehicles not being present.
The acting assistant fleet manager allegedly told investigators he had been pressured to sign the documents, claiming he was told it was necessary for suppliers to “release” the vehicles.
Documents further allege that Maboela’s director supplied questionable documents referred to as “Birth Certificates” to create the impression that the vehicles had been delivered.
The financial loss to the municipality is substantial.
Records indicate that R8,760,700 was paid for UD trucks that were never delivered. A further R2,850,772.50 was spent on the three graders, which were reportedly purchased at inflated prices and have since experienced repeated mechanical failures. An additional R1,819,800 was paid for warranties and service packages that were never honoured.
The total confirmed loss stands at R16,059,310, excluding additional costs linked to repairs, transport, registration and other administrative expenses.
The faulty graders have further worsened the municipality’s already strained fleet capacity. As of February 2025, only one of the machines had been repaired while the remaining two remain non-functional.
Some of the vehicles that were delivered also remain partially registered or lack the necessary permits, further limiting their use in municipal operations.
The Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala, has announced his intention to open a criminal case following a forensic investigation.
he report reveals that millions in taxpayer funds were allegedly paid to a supplier for goods never delivered, aided by officials who bypassed Supply Chain Management procedures.
Chabalala has called for the immediate recovery of these funds and emphasised the need for accountability and transparency to protect residents from further misuse of public money.
In response, Emfuleni Municipality Spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni stated that the council has already resolved to open a case against the individuals involved, citing prima facie evidence.
The municipality has requested space to finalize internal disciplinary hearings and legal proceedings without outside pressure, reaffirming its commitment to clean governance and the "Batho Pele" principles. Sangweni noted that while the municipality is addressing the matter, it cannot comment further on the merits of the case at this time.
He urged political parties in council to give the municipality space to implement its decisions.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za