DA escalates Ephraim Mogale Stadium access dispute, demands MEC probe

MAMPHOKGO – Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) is facing renewed pressure over governance after the DA took its complaint about blocked oversight to the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA).

The dispute stems from 13 May 2026, when DA Councillor, Flip Jacobs, and VF Plus Councillor, Dries Prinsloo, were allegedly denied access to controversial Mamphokgo Sports Stadium while conducting oversight.

The councillors claim they submitted written questions the same day and issued a final notice on 25 May 2026.

According to Jacobs, who serves as DA Caucus Leader and MMC for Planning in EPMLM, no response has been received from the EPMLM Municipal Manager.

“Stadium access is not the real issue here. This is about whether oversight can be blocked and whether the rule of law applies. This suggests a deliberate avoidance of accountability,” he said.

The DA raised concerns after reports emerged that a Member of Parliament was later granted access to the same facility.

The party argues this points to political interference and unequal treatment, and may violate Section 195 of the Constitution, obligations under the Municipal Systems Act, and requirements for political neutrality.

In its escalation to the MEC, the DA is calling for a Section 106 investigation into the Municipal Manager’s conduct, compelled responses to the outstanding oversight questions, an investigation into alleged political interference and protection of councillors’ oversight rights.

“If the MEC does not act, the DA will take the matter to the Public Protector, the National Council Of Provinces, and pursue legal and parliamentary channels. The DA will continue to pursue accountability,” said Jacobs.

EPMLM Spokesperson, Life Nape, was could not provide comment to this paper by deadline.

Mamphokgo Stadium has been flagged for years over mismanagement and incomplete work.

The project was initially budgeted at R16 million for 6 months, but the municipality ended up spending R37 million.

The construction started around 2019 but the contractor abandoned the site that same year. The facility is still only 80% complete.