Joburg hides misconduct records until after polls

The City of Johannesburg has pushed the release of records detailing R4.07bn in alleged financial misconduct beyond the 4 November elections.

Thirteen cases referred in secret council meeting

On 22 July, the City held a closed council meeting where 13 serious financial misconduct matters involving R4.07bn were referred to the independent Disciplinary Board.

Daily Maverick seeks disclosure through Paia

Daily Maverick submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act application on 3 August seeking the complete records behind the referral, including forensic audit reports and investigation summaries.

Nine-day delay blamed on administrative oversight

The City's Deputy Director Thembisa Zwane confirmed the application was received on 3 August but not referred for processing until 12 August due to an administrative oversight.

“Due to an administrative oversight, the request was only referred for processing on 12 August 2026. We regret the delay in attending to the request.”

City invokes extension using disputed calculation

The City extended the deadline by 30 court days until 6 November 2026, two days after the municipal election, citing the need to consult departments about record possession.

“The period for dealing with your request is accordingly extended by a further 30 days (court days), until 06 November 2026.”

Daily Maverick challenges the court days extension

Daily Maverick formally challenged City Manager Floyd Brink and Zwane over the legal basis for calculating the extension in court days and the timing relative to the election.

City asked to release records before voting

Daily Maverick asked whether the City would release all records before the 4 November election and, if not, to explain why. Brink and Zwane were given until 28 September to respond.

Neither official responds to Daily Maverick

City Manager Floyd Brink and Deputy Director Thembisa Zwane did not respond to Daily Maverick's questions by the 28 September deadline.

Separate R45.16bn case raises accountability questions

The City disclosed R45.16bn in unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure over five years through an open council process on 26 August, separate from the R4.07bn referral.

Sixty-eight officials' identities remain hidden

Group Forensic and Investigation Services investigated historical unauthorised expenditure and recommended disciplinary action against 68 officials, but their identities and outcomes remain undisclosed.

City already had misconduct information collated

By 26 August, the City provided council with detailed information about financial misconduct investigations and disciplinary recommendations, raising questions about why additional time is needed.

Daily Maverick declares deemed refusal and escalates

Daily Maverick formally notified Brink and Zwane that the application has reached deemed refusal under section 27 of Paia and challenged the extension notice as legally defective.

City given until Friday to release records or face court

The City has been given until 5pm on Friday, 9 October, to provide the requested records or Daily Maverick will pursue remedies under Paia to compel disclosure.