Former Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell accused of pushing R85 million land deal and interfering in appointments
Former Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell faces accusations of attempting to influence the appointment of a senior official, advocating for an R85 million property transaction despite warnings about the land's unsuitability, and failing to act on alleged issues with a R405 million security technology tender. These allegations, made by former senior city officials and a municipal security service provider, pertain to her leadership of the DA-led multiparty government in Ekurhuleni between 2021 and 2023. One former official claimed Campbell and another high-ranking DA councillor tried to alter a candidate's interview score for a head of department position. Another city official alleged Campbell personally raised an R85 million property transaction for human settlements, with the proposed seller identified as Taniel Cloete. However, the land was discovered to be a mine dump, rendering it unsuitable for its intended purpose. The purchase did not proceed, but Cloete reportedly initiated high court proceedings against the city for a similar amount. Fred Nel, DA Gauteng local government spokesperson, disputed that a mayor has the authority to instruct property purchases and stated that the DA trusts legal proceedings will clarify the facts. Additionally, a source alleged they warned Campbell about issues with a R405 million security technology tender, claiming the incumbent provider billed significantly less than the winning bid, and that Campbell failed to exercise her oversight role