Inside Ekurhuleni: When Municipal Inefficiency Becomes Profitable | LGE 2026

What happens when billions are spent on sanitation, yet communities are still left without the infrastructure and basic services they desperately need? And who benefits when municipal systems fail? As we count down to South Africa’s local government elections on 4 November 2026, OUTA is kicking off its Save Your City campaign, putting local government under the spotlight and asking the questions that matter to residents, ratepayers and taxpayers. In this episode, OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage speaks to Sikonathi Mantshantsha, News24 investigative journalist, about the growing questions surrounding procurement, corruption and service delivery in Ekurhuleni. Sikonathi’s investigations into the R1.8 billion chemical-toilet tender have raised serious questions about municipal procurement, politically connected interests and the accountability of those entrusted with public money. The story also brings into focus the tragic death of auditor Mpho Mafole, who was investigating municipal contracts, and the risks faced by those seeking to expose wrongdoing. But the problem may extend well beyond one tender. OUTA’s own investigation into the R39 million Pomona/New Eastern Outfall Sewer project has raised concerns about delays, contractor performance, municipal oversight and whether public expenditure is translating into functioning infrastructure. Why do temporary sanitation solutions continue to attract substantial public spending while permanent sewer infrastructure remains incomplete? Are contractors held accountable when projects fall behind? Can the money allocated to sanitation be traced all the way to completed infrastructure and improved services? The central question: Is Ekurhuleni failing to solve its sanitation crisis because it cannot, or because there are interests that benefit from the crisis continuing? Watch the full conversation and join OUTA in demanding accountability, transparency and better local government. 🗳️ SAVE YOUR CITY | LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 2026 Find out more about OUTA: https://www.outa.co.za/ Support OUTA’s work: https://www.outa.co.za/join-now #SaveYourCity #LGE2026 #Ekurhuleni #LocalGovernment #Accountability