AfriForum Appeals for Transparency in Thabazimbi Amid Corruption Allegations

In an intensified quest for accountability, civil rights group AfriForum has lodged an internal appeal with the Thabazimbi Local Municipality following the latter’s failure to address a formal request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Dated October 3, the request aimed to expose potential corruption surrounding the issuance of building permits, specifically the practice of charging unofficial "rush fees" to expedite approvals.

Residents and business owners in Thabazimbi have voiced frustration over the obstructive delays in the permitting process, frequently alluding to such fees. According to complainants, failure to pay these fees results in significant hold-ups, while compliance seemingly guarantees swift approval. This practice hints at a deeper culture of bribery and corruption within the municipality's administrative framework.

Adding gravity to the allegations, the Treasury has signaled its intention to withhold nearly R500 million in funding from Thabazimbi and four other municipalities. This drastic measure aims to coerce the indebted municipalities into settling their substantial dues to various water boards, highlighting a severe mishandling of municipal finances. The Thabazimbi Local Municipality’s debt to Magalies Water stands alarmingly at over R216 million.

Charné Mostert, AfriForum’s Campaign Officer for Corruption, expressed serious concerns about the lack of cooperation from the municipality. Mostert emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, pointing to their direct correlation with effective service delivery. “The apparent blend of corruption and financial mismanagement obstructs not only governance but essentially the community’s quality of life,” she remarked.

This pressing issue comes at a critical time as Thabazimbi gears up for by-elections on December 4, anticipated to be pivotal for the municipality’s future leadership and governance approach. Amid these unfolding events, AfriForum is rallying community support to keep a vigilant watch over local governance activities and to report any instances of corruption or mismanagement.

The situation in Thabazimbi presents a stark reminder of the consequences of diminished public oversight and unchecked administrative power. As community members await a meaningful response to AfriForum's appeal, the broader implications resonate across municipalities grappling with similar challenges nationwide.