DA Demands Urgent Probe into Metsimaholo Municipality’s R10.5 Million Disaster Relief Funding Loss
In a strong call for accountability, the Democratic Alliance in Metsimaholo has demanded a full investigation into the local municipality’s failure to use R10.5 million in disaster relief funding, which led to its withdrawal. The funds, meant to help communities hit by storms and floods, went unused due to non-compliance with key financial rules. This has left residents facing ongoing damage to roads and homes, with no quick fixes in sight. As South Africa deals with more extreme weather, this case highlights the need for better handling of emergency money to protect vulnerable areas.
The push comes at a time when many municipalities struggle with budgets and service delivery, often leaving people without basic help after disasters. For Metsimaholo, a Free State municipality known for its industrial base, this loss adds to a string of financial woes that have drawn scrutiny from oversight bodies.
Cllr. Jacques Barnard’s Full Statement on the Issue
DA Councillor Jacques Barnard released a detailed statement on 3 December 2025, outlining the party’s concerns and planned actions. He said the DA would write to the Provincial MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to request a thorough probe into how the funding was managed, who oversaw the projects, and why problems were not fixed earlier.
Barnard also announced plans to demand all documents linked to the allocation, use, and reporting of the disaster funds. He stressed that the money was pulled back because the municipality did not follow guidelines set by the Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003. Instead of starting approved projects and keeping proper records, officials let the chance slip, leaving communities to pay the price.
“This failure underscores the ongoing governance collapse within the municipality, where mismanagement, lack of planning, and poor oversight have become the norm,” Barnard noted. He added that residents deserve full openness and that the DA will keep fighting for better disaster readiness and wise use of public money.
How the Funding Was Lost: Non-Compliance with MFMA Rules
The R10.5 million came from national disaster relief grants, aimed at fixing storm damage like flooded homes, broken roads, and ruined stormwater systems. Under the Municipal Finance Management Act, municipalities must use these funds within set time frames, report on spending, and show clear results.
Metsimaholo fell short on these basics, leading to the money being taken back by National Treasury.
This kind of slip-up is not rare in local government, where weak systems often mean grants go unspent. In Metsimaholo’s case, the funds sat idle despite urgent needs after heavy rains that hit the area hard. Without the cash, repairs have stalled, making daily life tougher for families in low-income spots like Zamdela and Refengkgotso.
The act requires strict checks to prevent waste, but here, oversight failed. This has sparked worries about whether similar issues lurk in other grants, like those for water or electricity fixes.
Impact on Metsimaholo Communities and Economy
Metsimaholo, home to about 150,000 people in places like Sasolburg and Deneysville, relies on industry like petrochemicals for jobs. But bad weather has hurt homes and businesses, with floods washing away roads and cutting power. Without the relief money, these problems linger, raising risks for more damage in rainy seasons.
Locals have voiced frustration over potholes and poor drainage that turn streets into rivers during storms. Small farmers and shop owners suffer most, as delayed fixes slow down trade and raise costs. This loss also hits the municipality’s image, making it harder to attract investment for growth.
On a bigger scale, it shows gaps in disaster response across Free State, where many councils face cash shortages. Similar cases in nearby areas like Ngwathe have led to protests, underlining the need for better planning to protect lives and livelihoods.
DA’s Planned Actions and Political Context
The DA aims to push hard for answers, starting with letters to the MEC and requests for records. If the probe finds wrongdoing, it could lead to charges or changes in leadership. Barnard made clear the party will not let up until there is full accountability.
This fits the DA’s wider role in holding local governments to task, especially in coalitions where they often push for clean audits. In Metsimaholo, run by an ANC-led council, the opposition sees this as a chance to spotlight mismanagement ahead of 2026 elections.
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