Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Johan Pieterse
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Madibeng has raised serious concerns regarding the condition and management of the municipal vehicle fleet at the Madibeng Local Municipality after a recent oversight visit to the municipal yard.
During the visit, a significant number of municipal vehicles, trucks, tractors, and bakkies were observed standing idle in overgrown grass and appearing to be non-operational (see photos here and here). Of particular concern is that at least seven bakkies fitted with canopies were standing unused in the open.
This is deeply troubling at a time when residents are regularly told that there are no vehicles or equipment available to respond to urgent service delivery matters such as water leaks, infrastructure repairs, and other municipal emergencies.
Madibeng Local Municipality has a municipal workshop with qualified mechanics responsible for maintaining the municipal fleet. The presence of so many seemingly unused vehicles therefore raise serious questions about fleet management, maintenance practices, and whether municipal assets are being properly utilised to deliver services to residents.
For the sake of transparency and accountability, the DA has submitted a formal request for information to the Municipal Manager requesting clarity on several matters, including:
- A full register of the municipal fleet, including trucks, tractors, bakkies and other machinery.
- A list of all vehicles and equipment currently not operational and the reasons for their status.
- The length of time each vehicle has been standing unused.
- Details of repairs undertaken or scheduled, and whether these are conducted internally or outsourced.
- The operational capacity of the municipal workshop responsible for maintaining the fleet.
Further clarity has also been requested regarding the ownership of certain vehicles observed at the municipal yard. Should any of these vehicles form part of leased or contractor-supplied fleets, the public has a right to know which companies are responsible and what maintenance obligations exist within those agreements.
In addition, the DA has requested information on whether the municipality may be paying lease or rental fees for vehicles that are currently not operational.
For financial oversight purposes, the municipality has also been asked to provide the municipal fleet asset register as well as the depreciation schedule reflecting the status of these vehicles in the municipality’s financial records.
Municipal vehicles and equipment are critical public assets. When these assets stand idle while communities struggle with service delivery failures, it becomes a matter of serious public concern.
Photographic and video evidence of the situation has been submitted to the Municipal Manager for investigation.
Residents deserve transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of municipal resources. The DA will continue to monitor this matter closely and ensure that municipal assets are properly maintained and utilised for the benefit of the community.