Staff Reporter

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Metsimaholo Local Municipality has formally called for an urgent investigation into allegations of corruption involving Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Councillor Manana Mozolo, stemming from the stalled construction of a graveyard project in Amelia that has reportedly cost the municipality over R10 million.

The request was announced on November 18, 2025, by DA Councillor Stone Makhema, who stated that the party will write to the Speaker of Council, Councillor Lucas Fisher, to initiate an immediate probe into the matter.

The allegations against Cllr. Mozolo relate to her alleged interference with the construction of the graveyard and the possibility that she conducted business on the municipal project.

According to the DA’s statement, the project has shown no sign of completion for over four years, despite the expenditure of more than R10 million.

The current state of the site suggests it has been abandoned, with reports indicating that the main contractor and subcontractors left the site over fears of being bullied by the councillor.

The DA contends that the alleged actions constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, specifically citing sections that mandate the disclosure of direct or indirect personal or private business interests in municipal matters.

“It is evident that if the above have not been satisfied, a breach of the code has occurred,” the statement read, referencing Code 6 (1) (a) and Code 6 (2) of the councillor’s code of conduct.

The party also cited Code 15 (1) under Schedule 7 of the Municipal Structures Act 36 of 2021, which empowers the Speaker to authorize an investigation when there is reasonable suspicion that a provision of the code has been breached.

Cllr. Makhema concluded that only an investigation will provide a way forward.

“Our people have been waiting for services for too long, and we cannot allow corrupt elements hiding behind the councillorship to derail our development within our communities. Investigations will reveal a way forward.”