Financial Mismanagement and Environmental Violations in Thaba Chweu Municipality

Recent investigations have uncovered significant financial mismanagement within Mpumalanga’s Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. A forensic report revealed that officials misappropriated approximately R358.7 million through various illicit activities, including allocating houses to themselves and their relatives, authorizing payments for uncompleted work, bypassing tender procedures, and undervaluing municipal land sales. These actions have severely impacted the municipality’s financial stability, contributing to a debt exceeding R400 million owed to Eskom.

In addition to financial irregularities, the municipality has faced environmental penalties. In June 2022, Thaba Chweu was fined R10 million for violating environmental laws, specifically for unauthorized waste disposal and causing significant environmental pollution. The community of Mashishing had been raising concerns about water contamination and sewage spills since 2011, leading to this substantial fine.

Further administrative challenges have been identified. The Auditor-General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year highlighted internal control deficiencies, noting R74.2 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure and R73.2 million in irregular expenditure. Additionally, several infrastructure projects, including road maintenance in Matibidi and Lydenburg, water reticulation in Mashishing Extension 8, and electrification of 220 households in Manjenje, remained incomplete past their June 2024 deadlines, despite allocated budgets being fully spent.

These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced governance and accountability within Thaba Chweu Municipality to ensure effective service delivery and environmental stewardship.