 in the Eastern Cape says Premier Oscar Mabuyane must account for R5.1 billion linked to cumulative financial misconduct cases across provincial government departments.){kind=link}
By Thapelo Molefe
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape says Premier Oscar Mabuyane must account for R5.1 billion linked to cumulative financial misconduct cases across provincial government departments.
The party said the funds point to governance failure under Mabuyane’s administration, adding that MECs implicated in the departments fall under his political authority.
ALSO READ: Tshwane police chief Yolande Faro distances herself from tainted tender deal
“The Economic Freedom Fighters in the Eastern Cape calls on Premier Oscar Mabuyane to account for the alarming R5.1 billion linked to financial misconduct across provincial government departments,” the party said in a statement.
“This figure is not simply a reflection of poor administration, but a clear indication of a government that has normalised corruption, abandoned consequence management, and failed in its constitutional duty to serve the people,” the party said.
The EFF said that the funds could have been used to address key service delivery challenges in the province, including unemployment, healthcare, and education infrastructure.
“R5.1 billion is not just a number, it is a stolen opportunity,” the EFF said.
“This amount could have created over 50,000 sustainable jobs for unemployed young people… built more than 120 fully equipped clinics… and procured millions of units of essential medication.”
It added that in the education sector, the money could have been used to eradicate pit toilets, replace mud schools, and fund scholar transport for thousands of learners.
ALSO READ: EFF calls for Princess Faku to resign as ANC dismisses Fort Hare fraud claims
The EFF also raised concerns about weak internal controls within provincial departments, saying this has led to increased reliance on external investigative bodies.
“As a direct result, the province now owes approximately R219 million to the Special Investigating Unit, money that is being spent not on development, but on investigating corruption that should have been prevented,” the party said.
“This represents a second layer of waste, where the people of the Eastern Cape are forced to pay both for the looting of public funds and for the cost of uncovering that looting.”
The party further accused provincial leadership of avoiding accountability and deflecting blame.
“Instead of accounting, there is an increasing pattern of diverting public attention by shifting blame onto vulnerable communities and minorities,” it said.
While expressing little confidence in the provincial government’s ability to act, the EFF said it would look to independent institutions to ensure accountability.
“Our confidence therefore lies with independent law enforcement agencies and investigative bodies to ensure that accountability is pursued without fear, favour, or political interference.”
ALSO READ: State moves to contain Knoflokskraal land occupation via court
The party has called for urgent investigations into all implicated departments, disciplinary action against officials found guilty, and criminal prosecutions where necessary.
“As we approach the upcoming elections, the people of the Eastern Cape must reflect carefully on who is responsible for the persistent poverty, suffering, and underdevelopment in this province,” the party said.
“The power to change the trajectory of this province lies with them.”