Delays in releasing AG's 2022/23 controversial audit report rooted in malice, says EFF in Ekurhuleni

JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng have launched a public attack against the Auditor General (AG)’s office, accusing it of political sabotage over the outstanding 2022/ 2023 audit report on the City of Ekurhuleni. 

However, the AG’s office has confirmed to Eyewitness News that a report was completed and submitted on time.

At the same time, the city’s management has since raised a dispute that is delaying the tabling of the report.

There City of Ekurhuleni management has described the EFF’s public statements on the matter as unfortunate and misleading.

The EFF is under pressure, with opposition parties claiming the metro – which is governed through a working agreement between the African National Congress (ANC) and the red berets - has been run to the ground.

The EFF’s provincial leader - who is also Ekurhuleni’s Finance MMC, Nkululeko Dunga - claims the AG’s office is refusing to allow the city to look at the report. 

Dunga insists the delays in the City of Ekurhuleni getting its audit report from the AG’s office are rooted in malice.

He told Eyewitness News that the red berets believe they have a target on their back.

“And you know in the shadows, you hear that there was a political mandate that was given to the Auditor General by the ANC to say that they must make sure the City of Ekurhuleni must not get a clean audit because the EFF will ride on it,” said Dunga. 

However, the AG’s office has told Eyewitness News that it is working with the city to resolve issues raised following its initial report.

It's also defended its record of having successfully handled disputes fairly and carrying out its constitutional mandate impartially as well as without fear, favour or prejudice.