DA calls for probe into alleged Limpopo Legislature irregularities

LIMPOPO

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature is set to table a motion, calling for the urgent establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate alleged irregularities within the Legislature.

According to Advocate Franco Marx, DA Provincial Spokesperson on Legislature Oversight, the move is in response to damning revelations contained in the Oversight Committee Reports.

“The Oversight Committee Reports on the 2024/2025 Annual Report as well as the 2025/2026 Quarter 1 Report contained damning revelations, including a finding by the Auditor General that the financial statements submitted for auditing were not fully prepared in line with generally recognised accounting practices and were not supported by comprehensive and proper records,” explained Marx.

He added that another concerning finding by the Auditor General are in regards to the purchase of a vehicle for the Limpopo Legislature Speaker, Makoma Makhurupetje, reportedly over R1 million, which contributed directly to the Legislature’s poor audit performance.

“The recent reports have revealed a disturbing picture of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability within the Legislature.”

Marx said the party is also concerned about the alleged sale of the Speaker Makhurupetje’s vehicle to a Mercedes Benz dealership in Menlyn, Pretoria, despite a pending in-house investigation.

“It is alarming that this vehicle was allegedly surreptitiously moved and sold, despite the pending investigation. It is further alleged that both the speaker and the Legislature’s Secretary, Dr Timothy Maake, were present when this vehicle, worth millions, was loaded on the back of a truck on its way to Menlyn,” informed Marx.

Marx stressed that the Ad Hoc Committee will be tasked with investigating the purchase and alleged subsequent sale of the speaker’s vehicle, probing reported irregular and wasteful expenditures, examining failures in internal controls, accountability, and consequence management, and investigating the number of portfolio meetings that were not recorded and livestreamed.

“The residents of Limpopo deserve to know how their money is being spent and whether those in charge are being held accountable. The disposal of an asset under investigation is a blatant red flag. Limpopo residents cannot, and will not, accept the misuse of public funds being swept under the carpet,” he said.

Marx said the DA’s motion will also seek to ensure full transparency to the public, with the Ad Hoc Committee required to table its findings and recommendations before the house with timelines.

He indicated that other key issues that the Ad Hoc Committee will investigate include the R1.8 million spent on cancelled flights and unused accommodation for a delegation to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Gambia, allegedly due to the Legislature Secretary’s academic title “Dr” not being printed on the airline ticket.

The Legislature’s poor performance was also highlighted, with the entity achieving only 39 out of 58 performance targets, a mere 68 percent success rate.

“Lack of accountability and transparency within the Legislature is a serious concern. We urge the Legislature to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that those responsible for mismanaging public funds are held accountable,” Marx said.