17/05/2026
๐ดMatjhabeng Municipality Intensifies Fight Against Corruption While Securing Billions in New Investments๐ด
Matjhabeng Municipality has announced a series of major developments aimed at fighting corruption, strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and attracting billions of rands in investment into the municipality.
Municipal leadership recently confirmed that a forensic investigation commissioned by council has already produced its first draft report, with officials describing the findings as a breakthrough in the municipalityโs efforts to restore accountability and financial discipline.
According to leadership, the investigation has already helped uncover irregularities that could potentially save the municipality millions of rands. The final forensic report is expected to be officially presented during the upcoming ordinary council meeting at the end of the month, where members of the public and media will be invited to attend.
Among the most serious findings were allegations linked to corruption within the municipalityโs payroll system. Officials revealed that one former employee, who was reportedly suspended and sentenced in 2025, allegedly continued receiving a municipal salary until recently. Another individual was reportedly still appearing on the system despite allegedly being in prison.
As a result, a second forensic investigation focused specifically on payroll irregularities is currently underway and is expected to be finalized by the end of June.
Municipal leadership further confirmed that several corruption related cases have now been handed over to law enforcement agencies, with some investigations expected to proceed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution.
The municipality also warned of individuals allegedly attempting to destabilize municipal operations for political and financial gain. Leadership claimed that certain groups are attempting to create instability ahead of the 2026 elections in an effort to regain access to municipal resources and continue alleged corrupt activities.
Officials stressed that ordinary municipal workers should not be blamed for ongoing tensions, arguing that employees are allegedly being manipulated by individuals pursuing personal political interests.
Despite these challenges, Matjhabeng Municipality says it remains focused on improving governance and stabilizing municipal operations. Leadership confirmed that council plans to adopt a new organizational structure by the end of the month to address long-standing staffing issues and permanently fill several senior acting positions during the 2026/2027 financial year.
Key leadership positions, including Municipal Manager, Director of Infrastructure, and Director of Community Services, are expected to be formally filled as part of efforts to improve accountability and service delivery.
At the same time, the municipality highlighted significant progress in economic development, revealing that more than R40 billion worth of investments have been mobilized since 2022 โ a figure leadership described as unprecedented in the municipalityโs democratic history.
Over R6.8 billion has already been allocated toward critical infrastructure projects, including upgrades to sewer treatment plants, pump stations, and aging water infrastructure.
Matjhabeng Municipality also announced plans to host an Investment Summit in July in partnership with provincial and national government stakeholders to attract further development opportunities.
One of the major projects expected to boost local economic activity is the proposed redevelopment of the destroyed Libery Centre Mall, where investors have reportedly committed around R250 million toward reconstruction. Construction could begin as early as September or October if agreements are finalized.
In another major development, investors are also reportedly preparing a R1.2 billion mixed use development near VISTA University, including student accommodation, retail facilities, and additional infrastructure aimed at creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The municipality also welcomed the involvement of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in probing allegations linked to land and human settlements matters as part of broader anti corruption efforts.
Municipal leadership concluded by thanking residents for their continued support and reaffirming their commitment to building a clean, transparent, and investment friendly municipality focused on improving the lives of the people of Matjhabeng.
