Abandoned buildings, neglected sports facilities and millions of rands spent on projects that have since fallen into disrepair are raising concerns about municipal accountability in parts of the Eastern Cape.
Several multi-million-rand developments in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality have become stalled or defunct projects, with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probing a number of them.
The developments have come under increased scrutiny ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with government saying the failures highlight the need for residents to hold municipalities accountable for how public funds are spent.
The ANC retained control of Buffalo City Metro after securing an outright majority in the 2021 Local Government Elections.
The party is seeking to maintain its support in 2026, despite growing concerns from residents over service delivery and deteriorating infrastructure.
Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa says the lack of accountability by municipal officials cannot continue.
He says the upcoming Local Government Elections could mark an important moment for South Africa’s political landscape.
Hlabisa has urged voters not to become discouraged from participating in the elections, saying citizens have a crucial role to play in determining the country’s future.
The SIU’s investigations into stalled and abandoned projects in Buffalo City are expected to shed further light on how municipal funds were allocated and managed.