The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has referred the Stellenbosch Local Municipality’s alleged unlawful approval of municipal property leases to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for a comprehensive and independent investigation.
While the party notes the Western Cape government’s preliminary provincial investigation, the Freedom Front Plus believes that only an independent SIU investigation will provide residents with the assurance they deserve.
In June 2025, the National Treasury (NT) confirmed in writing that the Municipality’s approach to leasing its properties contravenes the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (MATR). This finding, which initially pertained to a single lease application, revealed a pattern of alleged irregular approvals relating to at least twelve municipal properties.
An unlawful provision allowed the Executive Mayor and the Mayoral Committee to grant, over a period of four years, more than twelve in-principle approvals for leasing municipal properties without following competitive tender or proper public participation processes.
Examples of such irregular leases include contracts with community organisations such as U-turn Homeless Shelter, L’Abrie de Dieu Safe House and Stellenbosch Animal Welfare Society as well as other properties that were leased without council approval or competition.
Despite the NT’s clear legal guidelines, these irregular lease agreements remain in force. It is, however, crucial to ensure that organisations such as the aforementioned are not harmed through the Municipality’s failure to comply with legislation.
The Freedom Front Plus is not satisfied that the executive authority and the provincial administration are solely responsible for the investigation. An independent SIU investigation will determine whether any irregularities occurred. If nothing is amiss, it will exonerate all those involved. If something is amiss, though, the public have the right to know.
Residents also have the right to be assured that fair, transparent and lawful processes are followed. And if that is not the case, they are entitled to a comprehensive, independent investigation.
The Freedom Front Plus calls on the Municipal Manager and the Executive Mayor to offer their full cooperation to the SIU. The party will also keep a close eye on the matter.
