The Democratic Alliance (DA) will request a comprehensive report on all Sol Plaatje municipal fleet vehicles that are currently accident damaged, including the full financial implications associated with these incidents, such as any insurance, liability, or rental vehicle costs.
This request follows a question submitted by the DA and confirmation received during yesterday’s Joint Transport and Finance Committee meeting that both vehicles allocated to the Executive Mayor and the Speaker, commonly referred to as Sol 1 and Sol 2, were involved in separate accidents. According to the municipality, both matters are currently being processed as insurance claims and the vehicles are not in use.
This is not the first time vehicles allocated to the executive have been involved in accidents or controversies. In 2024, the former Speaker’s vehicle had to be replaced at unnecessary cost after a controversial motor vehicle accident which occurred outside the municipal boundaries. In addition, approximately a year ago, both vehicles were at risk of being seized under a court-ordered writ of execution issued by the Kimberley High Court after the municipality failed to pay a small business just over R800 000 for services rendered in June 2023.
The DA is deeply concerned by the objection raised during the meeting by certain ANC councillors to our initial request for a report. To claim that we are “picking on” the Mayor and Speaker is puzzling, especially given that when the former Speaker’s vehicle was previously involved in an accident, the DA similarly requested a report on the financial consequences in the interest of transparency and accountability and a report was tabled in council.
Residents deserve transparency and accountability regarding how municipal assets are used and managed. The DA will continue to demand answers and ensure that Sol Plaatje Municipality does not hide behind silence when public resources are at stake.