21 PROBLEMS: NMB metro finally acts on R35m streetlight scandal, but suspensions still pending

The Special Investigating Unit has welcomed Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s progress in implementing its recommendations following a probe into streetlight tender corruption.

After months of uncertainty over whether Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality would act on a damning Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into its streetlight tenders, external lawyers have been appointed to assess possible disciplinary action against 21 implicated officials.

The legal team is evaluating the evidence, considering whether disciplinary charges should be brought and assessing whether any officials should be placed on precautionary suspension.

The development is contained in an update presented behind closed doors to Nelson Mandela Bay councillors on 6 August 2026, and seen by Daily Maverick.

“The external legal representatives have been appointed in this matter and are currently busy with the process,” the update reads.

The SIU confirmed it received a progress update from the municipality on the disciplinary referrals, dated 3 August 2026.

SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said the municipality had advised that its legal representatives had completed a detailed review of the documentation provided by the SIU and verified the employment status of all those implicated.

“According to the municipality, current employees are being prioritised for disciplinary action, while matters involving former employees will be pursued through the appropriate criminal and or civil processes,” Makgotho said.

He said each matter was being assessed individually to determine the strength of the evidence, appropriate charges and whether precautionary suspension was warranted.

“However, its preliminary assessment indicates that several matters justify consideration for precautionary suspension, with draft suspension notices and disciplinary documentation currently being prepared,” Makgotho said.

The move comes after mounting pressure on the municipality over its handling of the SIU’s findings.

In June, the SIU and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said they remained in the dark about whether the municipality had acted on recommendations to pursue disciplinary action against the 21 implicated officials.

At the time, Makgotho said the municipality was expected to provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations within 90 days.

The SIU could not compel the municipality to act, he said, but could escalate the matter to the Presidency and, if necessary, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts.