DA Targets Municipal Managers Over Financial Mismanagement Claims

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will approach police on Monday, 24 August 2026, to lay criminal complaints against two Eastern Cape municipal managers over allegations relating to the management of municipal finances.

The party said it intends laying a complaint against Makana Local Municipality Municipal Manager Pumelelo Maxwell Kate at the Makhanda Police Station.

A separate complaint is expected to be laid against Sundays River Valley Local Municipality Municipal Manager Thabiso Klaas at the Nqweba (Kirkwood) Police Station later on Monday.

According to the DA, the complaints relate to alleged financial mismanagement and what the party claims are repeated failures by the respective municipalities to properly account for the use of public money.

The allegations are those of the DA and have not been tested in court.

DA Parliamentary Leader George Michalakis MP is expected to lead the action, which the party says forms part of a broader campaign concerning accountability by municipal managers and the protection of public resources.

The Makhanda complaint is expected to be laid at 10:00 at the Makhanda Police Station in Beaufort Street, while the Nqweba complaint is expected to follow later in the day.

The laying of a criminal complaint does not mean that an offence has been proven or that the individuals concerned are guilty of any wrongdoing. Any allegations would still have to be investigated by the South African Police Service and considered by the relevant prosecuting authorities.

Komani News has not independently verified the allegations contained in the DA statement.

Comment should be sought from Makana Local Municipality, Sundays River Valley Local Municipality and the two municipal managers concerned. Their responses will be added should they be received.