“The municipality bought two trucks for about R2.3 million. Since they arrived, they have never worked. They are not branded and they are not even registered.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Matatiele Local Municipality has raised serious concerns over the alleged purchase of two trucks worth approximately R2.3 million that have reportedly never been operational.
According to the DA Chief Whip in council Wonga Potwana, the trucks were allegedly purchased around 23 March 2025 and were intended to assist with waste collection and related municipal services. However, he claims that since their arrival, the vehicles have neither been used nor registered. “The municipality bought two trucks for about R2.3 million. Since they arrived, they have never worked. They are not branded and they are not even registered,” the DA Chief Whip alleged.
He said, he has repeatedly questioned municipal officials about the status of the trucks, including why they remain unused despite being procured to strengthen service delivery. “When they were buying these trucks, we were told they would assist with waste collection and other related services. But up to now, they are not operating,” he said.
In addition to the truck allegations, the DA has raised further concerns regarding two construction companies appointed to build RDP houses within the municipality. The Chief Whip alleges that the first contractor Sidumo Trust, appointed to construct RDP houses in Ward 12, 13 and 16, has not been paid for work completed. He claims the municipality owes the company approximately R13 million.
He further alleged that the municipality took a resolution not to pay the amount owed and is now allegedly attempting to avoid settling the debt. “There is a company that built RDP houses, and it is owed around R13 million. The municipality allegedly resolved not to pay this amount and is now trying to find ways to avoid payment,” he claimed.
A second construction company (Amakhaya) that was building RDP houses in Ward 18 is also allegedly owed R14.9 million, according to the DA. The opposition party argues that these alleged non-payments could have serious implications for service delivery, contractor sustainability, and housing beneficiaries within the municipality
Responding to the matter, Matatiele Local Municipality confirmed that two specialised trucks a Refuse Compactor and a Tipper Truck were procured to strengthen waste management services, particularly refuse removal and the addressing of illegal dumping.
According to the Municipality, the vehicles are specialised fleet items manufactured to specification, and delivery follows a production process. It added that licensing and related administrative processes will be finalised before the vehicles are officially deployed.
On the issue of housing, the Municipality stated that engagements with the Department of Human Settlements and the affected service providers are on-going and progressing positively. A formal update will be provided once the processes have been concluded.
