The Bolsheviks Party of South Africa has formally demanded an urgent forensic investigation into over R24 million in questionable cession and subcontractor payments at the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality.
The demand follows alarming findings contained in the municipality’s Second Quarter Audit Committee Report (January 2025), which highlighted serious financial irregularities relating to cession agreements and payments processed during the 2024/2025 financial year.
Key Findings from the Internal Audit Report
According to the Internal Audit Report: Validation of payments made under Cession Agreements, the following irregularities were identified:
R1.9 million paid to cessionaries without written cession agreements
R9.1 million paid under cession agreements not confirmed by main contractors
R919,304 processed but not captured in the financial system
R12.1 million paid based on a pro-forma invoice instead of a valid tax invoice
R689,698 linked to cession agreements signed by an unauthorized official
Multiple instances of non-compliance with Supply Chain Management (SCM) policies, including missing tax compliance and Central Supplier Database verification
These findings were formally presented to Council on 31 January 2025 by the Chairperson of the Audit and Performance Audit Committee, Ms. MP Ramutsheli. The Committee resolved that a full forensic investigation should be considered and that the matter be referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for further scrutiny.
However, more than a year later, no forensic investigation report has reportedly been tabled before Council.
Party’s Demands
Through its Council representative, Councillor Mr. Kupa, the party is demanding:
Immediate commissioning and tabling of a comprehensive forensic investigation report
Full disclosure of all officials and external parties involved
Recovery plans for irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure
Referral of the matter to law enforcement agencies, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), where criminal conduct is suspected
A written declaration from Mayor Eddie Maila confirming whether he has any personal, political, or financial interest in contractors linked to the questioned payments
The party argues that the delay in implementing the Audit Committee’s resolutions raises serious concerns about accountability and oversight at the highest political level.
“The people of Fetakgomo Tubatse have a constitutional right to know whether over R24 million of public funds were lawfully spent. Silence and delay only deepen suspicion. If there is nothing to hide, there should be nothing to withhold,” said Mogotji FM, Secretary General of the Bolsheviks Party of South Africa.
Seven-Day Ultimatum
The party has given the municipality seven days to provide a written response outlining concrete steps being taken to implement the forensic investigation and to explain the delay.
Failure to act, the party warns, may result in escalation to:
Provincial Government
The Auditor-General
National Treasury
Potential motions of no confidence
This matter, the party says, concerns not only financial compliance but the broader integrity of local governance in one of Limpopo’s most economically significant municipalities
