The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ubuntu Municipality is calling for urgent disciplinary action against the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Randile Jacobs Shuping, and the Municipal Manager (MM), Levona Synthia Itumeleng, following their recent arrest by the Hawks in connection with alleged pension-related crimes.
The DA has requested an urgent Special Council Meeting for Friday, 19 June 2026, where we will table a motion for Council’s consideration.
The matter relates to alleged irregularities in pension fund contributions under Section 13A of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956. It is alleged that the two officials withheld and failed to properly pay over municipal workers’ pension contributions to third parties, including the Consolidated Retirement Fund (CRF) between February 2020 and September 2025.
The motion raises concerns about the MM’s role as accounting officer and failure to conduct oversight of the CFO. It further highlights the failure of both officials to properly carry out their duties, leading to serious financial harm for affected employees and the municipality.
Serious consideration must also be given to the fact that the CFO faces additional charges under the Pension Funds Act, linked to his time at Thembelihle Local Municipality.
Pension-related crime is a serious breach of trust. It affects workers who have spent years serving the municipality and puts their retirement security at risk. It can also impact important benefits such as funeral, death, and disability cover.
The conduct of both Shuping and Itumeleng brings into question their fitness-for-purpose to remain in office. We are of the firm view that disciplinary process against them must unfold urgently.
The DA will continue to follow the case closely. Those who rob workers of their hard-earned pensions, must be caught and convicted and removed from public office, to clean up local government.