Abel Tau UPPA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Abel Tau
UPPA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate
The United Progressive People Alliance (UPPA) calls for an immediate, independent and comprehensive investigation into serious allegations that a company contracted by the City of Tshwane was allegedly used to undertake renovations, including work on a swimming pool, at
Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya’s private residence, as well as security upgrades at her home in the Eastern Cape.
These are serious allegations involving the possible misuse of municipal resources and public funds for private benefit.
They cannot simply be dismissed as political accusations or dealt with through political statements.
They require a transparent investigation capable of establishing the facts and determining whether any laws, municipal policies, procurement rules or ethical
obligations were breached.
UPPA notes that both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have publicly condemned the allegations.
We therefore call on both parties to go beyond condemnation and demonstrate their commitment to accountability by taking concrete action in the City of Tshwane Council.
If the ANC and EFF believe that these allegations warrant condemnation, then they must bring the matter formally before Council.
UPPA calls on the ANC and EFF to:
Table a comprehensive report or motion before Tshwane Council setting out the
allegations, the company allegedly involved, the nature and value of the work
undertaken, the contractual relationship between the company and the City, and all
available evidence.
Demand the immediate preservation and disclosure of all relevant records, including procurement documents, tenders, contracts, invoices, purchase orders, work orders, payment records, correspondence, employee records and any documentation relating to work allegedly undertaken at the Mayor’s private residences.
Call for an independent investigation by an appropriate law-enforcement or oversight institution, without political interference.
Open a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) where there is prima
facie evidence of criminal conduct, rather than leaving the matter to political debate.
Refer the matter to the appropriate oversight bodies, including the Auditor-General and Public Protector where jurisdiction exists.
Ensure that the investigation is conducted independently of the Mayor’s office and the
political leadership implicated by the allegations.
The principle at stake is bigger than any individual political party or office-bearer.
Residents of Tshwane are struggling with deteriorating infrastructure, unreliable services,unemployment, poverty and the high cost of living.
Municipal resources are entrusted to elected leaders to serve the public, not to improve private residences.
The City itself has repeatedly emphasised the importance of financial discipline, consequence management and reducing waste.
In her 2026 State of the Capital Address, Mayor Moya said that the City must ensure that “every rand must work and every rand must deliver value.”
That principle must apply equally to everyone, including the Executive Mayor.
UPPA therefore believes that the Mayor should welcome a full investigation rather than resist one.
An independent investigation is the best way to establish the truth, protect the integrity of the office of the Executive Mayor and restore public confidence.
If the allegations are found to be false, the investigation will clear the Mayor’s name.
If they are found to be true, those responsible must face the full consequences of the law.
There can be no selective application of accountability.
UPPA is particularly concerned that political parties must not use their positions in the multiparty government of Tshwane to protect political allies or shield senior office-bearers from scrutiny.
The City has already faced significant concerns around irregular expenditure, governance and allegations involving political office-bearers.
The Mayor herself has acknowledged that the City has hundreds of outstanding investigations and that criminal cases have arisen from investigations into reported incidents.
This makes it even more important that allegations involving the highest office in the City are handled with absolute transparency.
The ANC and EFF cannot condemn alleged corruption when it suits them politically while failing to take the necessary steps when the allegations involve someone who sits at the head of the City’s executive.
Condemnation is not accountability.
Action is.
UPPA therefore calls for the following immediate actions:
Firstly, the ANC and EFF must table the matter formally before Tshwane Council.
Secondly, the relevant municipal records must be secured and made available to investigators.
Thirdly, SAPS must investigate any allegations that point to possible criminal conduct.
Fourthly, the Auditor-General and other competent oversight institutions must be requested to examine any financial or procurement implications.
Fifthly, the investigation must determine whether the company involved received any benefit from its relationship with the City and whether municipal resources, personnel, equipment,materials or funds were used for private purposes.
Sixthly, if wrongdoing is established, all unlawfully incurred costs must be recovered and those responsible must face criminal, civil, disciplinary and political consequences as applicable.
UPPA will not prejudge the outcome of an investigation.
We are equally opposed to corruption and politically motivated witch-hunts.
But allegations involving the possible use of municipal resources for private benefit are too serious to ignore.
Tshwane belongs to its residents.
Its money belongs to its residents.
Its resources belong to its residents.
And every public official, regardless of political affiliation or position, must be held to the same standard.
UPPA calls for the truth to be established, the evidence to be tested and accountability to follow wherever the evidence leads.
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