The Democratic Alliance (DA) has made serious allegations against Lerato Maloka, the former mayor of Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng, claiming she deliberately sabotaged her official vehicle after experiencing mechanical issues.

According to the DA, brown sugar was poured into the engine of the Mercedes Benz assigned to her, which led to further complications with the car.

Mayor Ousted in No-Confidence Motion

Maloka, who was removed from her position in a no-confidence motion on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, had reportedly refused to use the Mercedes Benz for an entire year.

The municipality had to force her to use the car, only for it to develop mechanical problems shortly after.

The motion to oust her, supported by the DA, saw 26 councillors voting in favor, while 21 voted against.

DA councillor Sibusiso Dyonase expressed relief at Maloka’s departure, calling it a step forward for the municipality after what they described as years of inefficiency.

Financial Mismanagement and Wasteful Expenditures

The DA emphasized Maloka’s failure to fulfill her duties, particularly regarding the financial recovery plan mandated by the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

The municipality’s finances had been left in disarray, with a large portion of the budget being funneled into salaries, leaving little for essential services.

The DA also pointed to the significant rise in wasteful and irregular spending, which included a trip to Germany costing over R550,000 at a time when the municipality was struggling to pay its employees.

Unpopular Mayor Faces a Long-Awaited Exit

Sibusiso Dyonase further criticized Maloka, accusing her of neglecting her moral and statutory obligations to both the municipality and its residents.

He stated that her refusal to use the provided vehicle for an entire year, followed by the discovery of sabotage in the form of brown sugar in the engine, was just the final straw in a series of poor decisions.

EFF Welcomes Maloka’s Removal

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also welcomed Maloka’s removal from office, calling it a necessary step to address the corruption and incompetence that had plagued Sedibeng District.

The party pointed out that the ANC no longer held a majority in Sedibeng or Emfuleni Local Municipality, and this vote was a clear reminder of their diminishing political power.

The EFF stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in governance.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Elections

With Maloka’s ousting, the question remains whether Gauteng municipalities will get their houses in order in time for the 2026 local elections.

It is unclear what the future holds for the Sedibeng District, but residents and political parties alike are watching closely to see how the situation will evolve.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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