R37 Million Goes Missing from KwaDukuza Municipality Bank Account, South Africans Left Frustrated
- The KwaDukuza Local Municipality confirmed that R37 million went missing from the bank account
- Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Thulasizwe Buthelezi has asked the mayor for a report on the money
- South Africans were frustrated by the news, but also not surprised that money went missing
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade reporting on the South African political landscape, crime and social issues. He spent 10 years working for a community newspaper before transitioning to online
KWAZULU-NATAL – Questions are being raised after R37 million went missing from the KwaDukuza Local Municipality's bank account.
The money reportedly went missing from the municipality’s ABSA account on Friday, 31 January 2025. Municipal manager Nhlanhla Mdakane has since confirmed that ABSA was investigating the matter.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi wants answers from the municipality
Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Thulasizwe Buthelezi has asked for an explanation after news surfaced about the missing money.
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The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has given the Mayor 48 hours to provide a report on the missing funds. The council has also resolved to bring in an independent service provider to investigate the matter.
The MEC has been busy of late, helping solve issues at the province's municipalities. On 31 January 2025, he was at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality where a worker's strike crippled service delivery.
Money goes missing after maladministration allegations
The missing money comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) a mandate to investigate allegations of maladministration at the municipality.
The allegations are in connection with the award of three tenders. The investigation will also focus on officials, employees and suppliers or service providers implicated between July 2018 and January 2025.
COGTA has been approached for comment but none has been received as yet.
South Africans frustrated by the news
Social media users expressed frustration that corruption was still rife even under the new government.
King Smash said:
“So even under the Government of National Unity (GNU) we still have looters🤔.”
Nkosinathi Mbatha said:
“Corruption at the highest level under the GNU.”
Marcel Pg stated:
“The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will know exactly where it went.”
Siphiwe Ngwenya added:
“Tracing money is not difficult😂.”
Vuyisile Vee added:
“Who had access to that money? That's where they should start.”
Tim Stemmet stated:
“It does not just go missing. It is freaking stolen.”
Mpho Simon said:
“They should ask the CFO😔.”
Andy Wixinger added:
“Missing equals stolen.”
Nongoma municipal officials arrested for theft
Briefly News reported that senior officials of the Nongoma Municipality were arrested for money laundering, theft and fraud.
The municipal manager, supply chain manager, chief financial officer and one of the officials’ bodyguards were arrested.
South Africans were taken aback by the stark level of corruption in municipalities in the government.
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Source: Briefly News
