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The DA expresses no surprise at the ANC's recent press statement calling for action steps in the Matzikama Local Municipality.

This comes as a response to an independent forensic investigation initiated by the DA Mayor and DA Provincial Minister for Local Government, Anton Bredell.

The investigation found inter alia that proper processes were not followed in the appointment of a relative of a councillor. It did not find grounds that the councillor in question unduly influenced the process.

However, and this is where things get tricky for the ANC, the forensic investigation recommended that a further broader investigation should take place into the conduct of key officials appointed when the ANC was in power in Matzikama.

The ANC moved quickly to influence the narrative and steer any potential further investigations in its favour.

It hopes to exploit the fact that Matzikama is run by a coalition government with a slender majority of one seat.

The party of State Capture has no legitimacy to speak on behalf of residents in regards to corruption and mismanagement.

In fact, they are up against a DA candidate in the upcoming by-election on 20 November - someone who left the ANC due to its culture of impunity - and are now desperately trying to thwart the governing coalition from gaining a larger majority in Matzikama.

This governing municipality has made significant strides in stabilising the municipality and this investigation was initiated as part of this clean-up process.

The DA remains steadfast in our commitment to uplifting Matzikama and its plight to create a municipality that residents can take pride in once again.

Issued by Thomas Walters MPP - DA Constituency Head, Matzikama