{
  "id": 14605624,
  "title": "Tshwane water tankers spending spark clash over mafia claims",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/tshwane-water-tankers-spending-spark-clash-over-mafia-claims",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T03:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/tshwane-water-tankers-spending-spark-clash-over-mafia-claims/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The City of Tshwane, led by Mayor Nasiphi Moya, finds itself at the center of controversy regarding the allocation of R777 million for water tankers in the 2024-25 financial year, sparking a clash with the Democratic Alliance (DA). WaterCAN expert Ferrial Adam questioned the DA's involvement in the spending, urging them to address the situation when it was occurring instead of investigating now. The DA has taken action, picketing the Gauteng Premier's office with a banner featuring Mayor Nasiphi Moya's face on a water tanker, demanding a forensic investigation into the expenditures. DA leader Cilliers Brink specifically called for an investigation into payments made to Nomakhuwa Trading and Projects, M RAMS Enterprise, and companies connected to ANC deputy mayor Eugene Modise and ANC regional treasurer Rhulani James Shelenge, despite questions about the legitimacy of these companies owning water tankers. Tshwane is experiencing significant water losses, with the city reportedly losing between R1.35 billion and R1.7 billion annually, with an average loss of 42.6% over the past year. The mayor's office under Mayor Moya's leadership is accused of losing control over payments, as any entity with a water tanker can submit an invoice for payment. ActionSA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Henriette Frohlich noted that under Mayor Moya's tenure, bulk water loss increased from 27% in March 2023 to 38% in May 2024, suggesting that the mayor's inability to maintain water infrastructure has led to the proliferation of water tankers.",
  "summary": "Brink submits request for urgent forensic investigation into R777 million spent on water tankers during 2024-25 financial year.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tshwane allocates R777 million for water tankers in 2024-25 budget",
    "DA protests spending, demands forensic investigation into payments",
    "Tshwane loses 42.6% of water annually, mayor's office accused of mismanagement"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}