A decision taken at the Mangaung Metro council meeting to allocate R6 million to a football tournament has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition in the metro.
The DA in Mangaung has announced plans to write to the municipal manager, Sello More, demanding an explanation of how supporting a high-profile tournament can be reconciled with the ongoing neglect of basic services that residents depend on daily.
At the meeting on Friday, 9 May, councillors voted to approve the allocation of R6 million to the COSAFA Cup tournament despite everyday service delivery remaining in crisis.
According to DA council member Kabelo Moreeng, this decision comes at a time when fundamental infrastructure challenges, such as pothole-riddled roads and poorly maintained gravel routes, continue to affect daily life.
This expenditure raises serious questions about budget priorities and governance,”
DA council member Kabelo Moreeng
The latest Auditor-General’s report reveals a disturbing trend of financial mismanagement in the Mangaung Metro. Unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless expenditures have constrained the funds available to meet essential service delivery targets across the metro.
“As a result, communities are regularly left with unmet health, sanitation, and transport needs,” said Moreeng. “Allocating millions for a sporting event while residents contend with infrastructure failures underscores a misplaced focus on budget allocation that cannot be justified in light of urgent community needs.”
Critics argue that the COSAFA Cup, whilst potentially advantageous for local economic or reputational gains, fails to address the immediate priorities that ensure residents’ safety and wellbeing.
Essential services such as road maintenance, water delivery, and waste management require proactive and sustained investments that are being sidelined.
Moreeng says local stakeholders call on the metro leadership to reallocate funds, review its expenditure strategy, and commit to a transparent, people-first budgeting process prioritising immediate service delivery challenges over discretionary spending.
“Until then, we will be vigilant and prepared to hold decision-makers accountable for spending choices that compromise public welfare.”
