DA’s R23m Claim Against Modise: Political Gimmickry or Genuine Concern?

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has once again turned its political artillery towards the City of Tshwane’s leadership. This time, the target is Deputy Mayor and MMC for Finance, Eugene Modise. At a media briefing, Tshwane DA leader Cilliers Brink demanded Modise’s removal from office, citing an alleged R23-million municipal debt linked to Modise’s company, Mzansi Resorts.

Brink’s rhetoric was fiery, calling for Tshwane’s credit control teams to cut the power at Mzansi Resorts and for Mayor Nasiphi Moya to show that her administration is serious about enforcing the rules equally. But scratch beneath the surface, and the DA’s argument begins to look less like an exposé and more like a political stunt.

Modise is clear: “My accounts with the City are up to date. I do not owe the Municipality.” Credit Control has reportedly confirmed this. The so-called “debt” stems from a lease arrangement between Mzansi Resorts and the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC), not the City of Tshwane.

In fact, the allegations crumble further when the actual utilities picture is examined. Morula Sun does not use Tshwane electricity, and water was originally regulated and managed by SWA before that entity was incorporated into Tshwane. The records for the disputed R23 million water bill belong to the period under the previous management — Gold Rush and Sun International. This can be verified with the City’s revenue department, including the age of the alleged arrears. Moreover, the facility draws water for gardening and maintenance from the on-site dam, to which it holds usage rights, making the claim of massive municipal arrears even more questionable.

Mzansi, which operates at the former Morula Sun property in Mabopane, currently spends over R700,000 a month on electricity, security, gardening, and maintenance. These are operational expenses, not arrears. Modise insists that far from owing money, his company has invested heavily in renovating the property, repairing sewer systems, fencing, and roofs. In his telling, it is the NWHC that owes his company reimbursement for this work.

The DA’s attempts to tarnish Modise’s name ignore his track record of achievement in the City of Tshwane:

• Improved revenue collection: Under his leadership, the City has consistently exceeded monthly revenue targets, including collections of over R3.6 billion in a single month.

• A fully funded budget: For the first time in years, Tshwane adopted a fully funded 2025/26 budget, reducing reliance on external borrowing and ensuring sustainability.

• Pro-poor focus: The current budget cushions tariff increases and property rates to protect vulnerable households.

• Infrastructure protection: More than R500 million has been allocated to safeguard municipal assets from theft and vandalism, ensuring continuity of services.

• Debt relief measures: Initiatives have been launched to support residents, businesses, and indigent households struggling with arrears.

These are not abstract policy lines; they are tangible results that benefit ordinary citizens, not political elites.

It is not lost on us that these accusations emerged just days after the successful Tshwane Summit, where the focus was on revitalising the local economy and creating jobs. The timing suggests this is less about accountability and more about undermining visible progress, a targeted attempt to derail black excellence in leadership and to smear what the DA cannot compete with: delivery.

The NPAD calls on the DA to provide verifiable proof of its allegations or retract them. Governance must be based on facts, fairness, and transparency, not on reckless claims designed for cheap political points.

Cllr. Modise has declared his business interests as required by law, has honoured his obligations, and continues to serve with distinction. The people of Tshwane deserve leaders who focus on real issues, service delivery, economic growth, and opportunity creation, not endless political theatre.