‘Municipality in freefall’: ANC flags R400m debt, Eskom arrears and governance collapse in Theewaterskloof

Executive mayor Lincoln de Bruyn has been accused by the ANC of presiding over a period of escalating debt, management instability and declining service delivery in Theewaterskloof Municipality. The ANC in the Western Cape has accused the DA–GOOD coalition in Theewaterskloof Municipality of presiding over financial collapse, saying that the municipal debt has exceeded R400 million, with Eskom arrears more than tripling, and plunging the municipality into a deep financial. The partycalled for urgent intervention by the provincial government and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in the municipality.

It accused the DA–GOOD coalition of presiding over severe financial and governance deterioration since taking control of the council in August 2024. ANC chief whip Bongiwe Mkhwibiso said municipal debt has reportedly escalated to more than R400 million under the coalition, while Eskom debt has increased from about R30 million to more than R110 million. She further alleged that management instability has spilled over into physical violence among senior officials. “After a year and six months under the DA–GOOD coalition, debt has surged, cash flow to meet obligations and ensure service delivery has diminished, and the municipality’s management is in disarray,” Mkhwibiso said.