DA Demands Wider Accountability Over Enoch Mgijima Pension Allegations

The Democratic Alliance in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality says it supports action against employees implicated in alleged pension fund irregularities, but accountability must not stop at junior staff.

In a statement issued by DA caucus chairperson Dr Lunga Mangcu, the party said the allegations were first raised by the Speaker of Council Noluthando Nqabisa during a council meeting in 2025, when it was claimed that municipal employees had allegedly taken money from their pension funds.

Following that, the DA wrote formally to the Speaker on 25 September 2025 requesting clarity and further information.

“Despite the seriousness of the allegations and our formal enquiry, the DA was never provided with a response,” Mangcu said.

He said it was therefore concerning that almost a year later, the matter has now returned to Council through a Special Council meeting.

“The DA welcomes the fact that action is now being taken regarding the employees implicated in this matter. We believe that allegations of this nature must be properly investigated and, where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable,” said Mangcu.

“However, accountability cannot be selective.”

The DA said it was concerned that the matter appears to have returned to Council at a time when legal representation is being sought, apparently in connection with action being taken by the affected employees.

“If this is indeed the reason for the matter being brought before Council, then Council must be provided with full transparency regarding the circumstances, the legal advice received, the costs involved, and the municipality’s potential exposure,” Mangcu said.

The party demanded that if senior employees or officials were involved in, authorised, facilitated, or had knowledge of the conduct under investigation, they too must face investigation.

“The DA will support lawful and fair action against any employee found to have committed wrongdoing. However, accountability must apply to everyone,” Mangcu said.

“If there was wrongdoing, everyone involved in the authorised processes must answer for it — not only those at the bottom, but also those who were responsible for oversight and leadership.”