Please find attached soundbites in English by Sean Trautmann, Setswana by Barnard Manne, Afrikaans by Jacky Basson
- The ANC–PA coalition pushing through a proposed 25-year solar deal despite unanswered questions about transparency and costs,
- The solar proposal was considered during a 65-minute special Council meeting covering seven substantive agenda items,
- The DA demands full disclosure and calls on residents to vote for accountable governance on 4 November2026.
The DA raises serious concerns about the ANC–PA coalition in JB Marks rushing through the Kopano Renewables solar proposal less than three weeks before the local government elections, despite unanswered questions about procurement, transparency and the long-term financial implications for residents.
The solar proposal was considered during a virtual special Council meeting that dealt with seven substantive agenda items in just 65 minutes. This limited time for scrutiny is particularly concerning given that Councillors only received the solar report at 19:46 on Monday evening, ahead of Thursday’s meeting.
Committing the municipality to a proposed 25-year electricity agreement without adequately demonstrating how the supplier was selected or what residents could ultimately pay exposes taxpayers to unacceptable uncertainty.
The DA supports reliable electricity for JB Marks, including the neglected and suffering communities of Ventersdorp and surrounding areas. However, the information presented to Council did not demonstrate a transparent and competitive procurement process or establish the agreement’s full costs and risks.
A late report, a 65-minute meeting and a proposed 25-year commitment raise serious questions about the coalition’s haste and whether sufficient scrutiny was given to the long-term consequences for residents.
Public consultation under section 33 of the Municipal Finance Management Act does not replace applicable procurement requirements. The DA maintains that a majority vote cannot substitute for compliance with the law.
The proposed purchase tariff, described as an applicable NERSA-approved tariff less 10%, does not automatically mean residents will receive a 10% reduction in their electricity bills. The DA calls on the municipality to disclose projected annual costs, escalation provisions and any minimum purchase obligations, guarantees or termination liabilities.
With approximately R1.84 billion in consumer debtors and R945 million owed to Eskom, the DA believes JB Marks cannot afford inadequately assessed financial commitments.
Residents deserve proof that the agreement serves their electricity needs. Without transparency about procurement, ownership and financial obligations, concerns about who ultimately benefits will persist.
The DA demands the publication of the final agreement, procurement record, financial assessments, statutory consultation submissions and relevant ownership and conflict-of-interest disclosures. Any outstanding legal requirements must be fulfilled before signature or implementation.
The DA warns that while the ANC–PA coalition may leave office after the November elections, the financial obligations created by a 25-year agreement could remain with residents, their children and potentially their grandchildren well into the 2050s.
Those responsible for the decision must account for the long-term obligations they leave behind.
On 4 November 2026, residents have an opportunity to vote for change and demand a municipality that puts taxpayers first, manages public money responsibly and delivers reliable electricity through transparent and accountable governance. Vote DA to get JB Marks working for all.