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Ekurhuleni's electricity debt sparks dispute between ANC-led coalition and DA
via The Citizen2 min read
A dispute has emerged regarding Ekurhuleni's electricity debt, with the ANC-led coalition government rejecting claims of a financial crisis, while the DA insists the situation is serious. DA member of the provincial legislature, Mike Waters, cited an Eskom debt figure of approximately R7 billion, suggesting a deepening financial problem. However, Ekurhuleni MMC for Finance, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, stated that the alleged figure is incorrect and does not indicate an immediate financial breakdown. Dlabathi clarified that most of the outstanding balance is current, with only about R1 billion being overdue, and that the city is not at risk of Eskom disconnections. He suggested the narrative around the debt lacks full understanding of the details. In contrast, Waters maintained that a written reply from the provincial Treasury confirmed Ekurhuleni owes Eskom R6.948 billion and that no action has been taken. He questioned how such a debt accumulated, raising concerns about the accuracy of reporting and the sustainability of the city's finances, and warned of potential electricity supply disruptions for residents and businesses. Dlabathi noted ongoing efforts to stabilize city finances, including campaigns to address non-paying businesses and residents. Simon Lapping, however, suggested the issue extends beyond a single figure, pointing to poor financial management, inflated prices, and incomplete projects, and questioned the accuracy of official financial reports.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.