-Staff Writer / Fri, 16 Jan 2026
The Independent South African National Civic Organisation (ISANCO) has accused the Welkom based Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State of failing to account for more than R9 million in public funds following the purchase of two sewer combination jet trucks.
ISANCO president Dr Bakoena S. Ramosie said the municipality has yet to provide clear proof that the R20 million procurement announced by Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha complies with supply chain and financial regulations.
“The municipality has failed to explain how two sewer jet trucks that cost R10.8 million could suddenly amount to R20 million of taxpayers’ money,” Ramosie said, adding that threats of legal action would not deter ISANCO from demanding accountability.
The dispute stems from comments made by Khalipha during a Lesedi FM interview on 7 January 2026, where he announced that the municipality had acquired two sewer jet trucks at a cost of R20 million. Photographs of the vehicles were later posted on the municipality’s official Facebook page, showing their technical specifications.
ISANCO said it independently contacted the supplier of the trucks and obtained a quotation indicating that each vehicle costs R5.3 million, including driver training, licensing and registration. This places the combined cost at R10,798,500, leaving an unexplained difference of R9,201,500.
Ramosie criticised a municipal media briefing held earlier this week, describing it as “an attempt to deflect from serious governance failures” and alleging that residents were misled instead of being given factual explanations.
According to ISANCO, municipal leadership also failed to address concerns relating to the implementation of the Financial Recovery Plan and ignored correspondence from the Provincial Executive Representative.
The municipality, represented by Acting Municipal Manager Thabo Panyani and Executive Mayor Khalipha, reportedly threatened legal action against ISANCO for allegedly obtaining the quotation unlawfully.
ISANCO has welcomed the prospect of legal proceedings, saying it will use the courts to prove that “questionable payments were made without following proper supply chain management procedures.”
“We will not be intimidated,” Ramosie said. “As long as ratepayers’ money is involved, the municipality is obligated to give a full and transparent account of how every cent was spent.”
ISANCO has called on the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to publicly disclose all procurement documents, specifications and costs related to the sewer jet trucks and to fast-track any legal action it intends to pursue.
News Junction (Gold Standard)