MIDDELBURG - Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Bosman Grobler, has warned that municipal officials involved in corruption will face investigation and possible prosecution if the party takes control of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality after the 2026 local government elections.
Grobler, who also serves as the DA’s provincial chairperson, was recently nominated as the party’s mayoral candidate for the municipality. Speaking to the publication on the sidelines of an event at the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall in Middelburg on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, he said addressing corruption within the municipal administration would be a top priority.
Grobler said the DA intends to confront corruption within the municipality through stricter oversight and forensic investigations.
"We will convene with the municipal administrators and declare that today marks the end of such practices. If you choose to persist, we will hold you accountable. We will implement forensic audits, uncover the wrongdoings, and ensure prosecution," he said.
He added that tackling corruption is necessary to improve service delivery and ensure that municipal funds are used for infrastructure and development.
“At the forefront of our concerns is corruption. Naturally, our aim is to enhance service delivery, but that requires financial resources. We must tackle corruption head-on to secure the funding necessary for our infrastructure and initiatives,” he said. “This is crucial because with available funding for various projects, we can achieve our short and medium-term objectives.”
The DA has previously taken legal action against the Steve Tshwete local municipality over alleged failures to act against employees implicated in wrongdoing linked to the construction of the Mhluzi Intake Substation.
A forensic report revealed that there were payment irregularities, procurement irregularities, oversight failures and financial mismanagement. The investigation found that the municipality spent more than R158 million on the substation despite an approved budget of R30 million.
As part of its accountability measures, the DA is advocating for lifestyle audits of senior officials, including Executive Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Councillors, and the Municipal Manager.
Grobler also outlined plans to improve the local economy by reducing bureaucratic barriers for businesses and introducing incentives for companies that employ local residents, particularly young people.
He said improving service delivery would also be a priority, including ensuring reliable water supply, consistent electricity, well-maintained yards, and efficient waste removal services for businesses. In addition, Grobler said the party would prioritise efforts to address crime in the Central Business District (CBD) and throughout the entire municipal region.
During his acceptance speech, Grobler, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Culture, Sport and Recreation in the Mpumalanga Legislature, reflected on his extensive years of service as a public representative for the people of Steve Tshwete and the broader province. “I have dedicated my life to serving the community. And although we have had our ups and downs, we have had victories and defeats, both in our careers and our personal lives. It is a call that gives purpose to my life, and energy to my body every day,” he said.
He said many residents continue to pay municipal rates and taxes while experiencing poor service delivery, and emphasised the need for a municipality that delivers basic services fairly to all communities.
Grobler said the DA’s vision is to build a municipality that provides reliable services, supports economic growth and ensures accountability in local government.
