DA asks Public Protector to probe alleged vote-buying scheme in Ekurhuleni

By Lebone Rodah Mosima

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector over allegations that City of Ekurhuleni officials influenced council votes by directing public funds to political parties linked to certain councillors.

Speaking on Thursday, the DA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, said the party had asked Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka to urgently investigate what it described as possible corruption within the municipality.

“The DA believes there are clear grounds for an investigation within the Public Protector’s jurisdiction, including possible contraventions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and the Political Party Funding Act,” Rasilingwane said.

She accused City Manager Kagiso Lerutla of allegedly abusing his former role as Group Chief Financial Officer to channel millions of rand in public funds to ANC-aligned proxy parties in exchange for political support.

“If proven true, this would represent a deliberate and coordinated looting of public