Standerton, Mpumalanga – The Lekwa Municipality is grappling with severe service delivery failures, compounded by rampant corruption, including a multi-million rand petrol card fraud scandal. Recent investigations have implicated several officials, leading to suspensions and the resignation of Speaker Dumisani Msibi.
Infrastructure and Service Delivery in Shambles
Residents and businesses in Standerton are enduring crumbling infrastructure, with roads rendered nearly impassable due to potholes. Raw sewage spills into streets and clean water drains, posing health risks and environmental pollution.
Local businesses report massive financial losses, with some seeing daily income drop from thousands to mere hundreds of rands due to road closures and unsanitary conditions. “The sewage runs straight into the water drains, polluting the river. The smell is unbearable,” said one frustrated business owner.
Petrol Card Fraud Scandal Deepens
A forensic investigation into municipal petrol card misuse has revealed staggering fraud. Officials allegedly siphoned over R120,000 in just three months, with multiple vehicles fraudulently refueled daily. “In the mornings, R1,800 worth of fuel would be loaded, then again in the evening—every day,” revealed a source. The total fraud is suspected to run into millions.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) pushed for accountability, leading to Nkosi’s resignation. “We gave him a chance to explain, but the evidence demanded his immediate resignation,” an EFF representative stated. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid criminal charges against implicated officials.
Calls for Full Forensic Probe
Municipal Manager Thando Kubheka has requested a full forensic investigation, which the council hopes the Provincial COGTA department will conduct at no cost, given Lekwa’s dire financial state.
As service delivery collapses and corruption allegations mount, residents and businesses are left demanding urgent intervention. With infrastructure failing and fraud running rampant, Lekwa Municipality’s crisis shows no signs of abating.