Joburg among 32 municipalities probed in Section 106 investigations

In Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Rand West, and Merafong municipalities in Gauteng, along with Kannaland, Beaufort West, Matzikama, and Central Karoo District in the Western Cape, at least 32 municipalities across seven provinces were investigated under Section 106. This disclosure was made by Mpumalanga's MEC for Local Government in response to parliamentary questions from DA MP Cathy Labuschagne, who sought details of all Section 106 investigations conducted over the past five years, including outcomes.

The Municipal Systems Act grants the MEC the power to investigate when a municipality fails to meet statutory obligations or engages in maladministration, fraud, corruption, or other serious malpractice.

Across the provinces, Mpumalanga's response was outstanding, with eight provinces reporting 32 investigations. KwaZulu-Natal saw investigations in uMngeni, Endumeni, uThukela District, and KwaDukuza. Gauteng had City of Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Rand West, and Merafong. The Eastern Cape had the most investigations, involving seven municipalities: Inxuba Yethemba, Matatiele, Dr AB Xuma, Alfred Nzo District, Enoch Mgijima, Mhlontlo, and Sakhisizwe.

North West recorded investigations in Nala, Mohokare, Dihlabeng, Masilonganya, and Matjhabeng, while the Northern Cape had none, and Mpumalanga did not respond.

Investigations resulted in various consequences, from dismissals, contract terminations, suspensions, warnings to recovery of municipal funds and recommendations for disciplinary proceedings. Some cases were referred to law enforcement agencies, while others remained under investigation or pending judicial review proceedings.