The Ubuhlebezwe local municipality in southern KwaZulu-Natal has once again been reported to some of the country’s law enforcement agencies and provincial government departments.
This time, the ANC-run municipality anchored in Ixopo has been reported for allegedly paying a security company R4.3-million in seven tranches. The amount was for security services. However, the company allegedly failed to station the stipulated security guards to secure municipal sites.
The name of the company will not be revealed until it has been traced and given an opportunity to state its side of the story.
Letter sent to Hawks, SIU and stakeholders
The whistleblower’s letter containing these allegations was sent to the Hawks, Public Protector, the Special Investigating Unit, Corruption Watch, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Office and the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), among others.
“The municipal Chief Financial Officer, Miss Siyasanga Yolani Sityata, pays for non-existent securities at some sites on a monthly basis. An old gym as well as Morningside Sportsfield (to mention the known ones).
“Morningside (in Ixopo) sports field was guarded by the construction company that was revamping the sports field. Ms S (Sityata) was creating invoices to pay as if there were securities from … guarding these sites. While there was none until April 2025,” reads part of the letter.
The letter made other startling allegations against the security company. As well as the relationship it has with Sityata, but they could not be verified.
Municipality vows cooperation
The municipality said it takes allegations of fraud and corruption extremely seriously. In line with its governance and ethical obligations, it has initiated an internal process to assess the contents of the dossier. It will cooperate with any agencies that may choose to pursue a formal investigation.
“We would like to assure the public that the municipality has strict mechanisms in place to monitor security services. On the issue of security deployment and payments: monthly reconciliations are conducted. And these are supported by site attendance registers from each location.
“In addition, monthly property inspections are carried out by the municipality’s properties unit. This to verify the presence and performance of contracted security personnel.
“These oversight processes are part of our internal controls to ensure services paid for are indeed rendered. The municipality is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation that may be initiated by law enforcement or oversight institutions,” it said.
