The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) will write to Municipal Manager Donald Mhangwana, demanding an urgent investigation into the municipality’s continued wasteful spending on irresponsible litigation – and calling for an end to this unacceptable practice.
The reckless litigation strategy of GTM has once again resulted in a damning court ruling against the municipality, along with a cost order, further burdening taxpayers.
On 17 March 2025, the Limpopo High Court, sitting as a court of appeal, dismissed the Municipality’s appeal and upheld the previous cost order against them. This ruling stems from the Municipality’s ill-advised decision to appeal solely to challenge an earlier cost order, which has now led to yet another financial penalty—all at the expense of the public.
The case originated from the unlawful disconnection of electricity to an elderly couple, the late Mr. Shingwenyana—who suffered from diabetes and kidney disease—and his wife, Paulina Shingwenyana.
Despite previously assuring the couple that their electricity would not be cut off, the Municipality proceeded with the disconnection. When the couple attempted to resolve the matter amicably, the Municipality refused to reconnect their electricity, forcing them into a costly legal battle.
The High Court judgment confirmed that the original judge had provided clear reasons for awarding costs against the Municipality in a written ruling dated 21 September 2023. The court found that the Municipality’s unreasonable conduct fully justified the cost order.
Despite this clear and damning finding, and despite the well-established legal principle that appeal courts rarely overturn cost orders, the Municipality recklessly pursued an unnecessary appeal. This has resulted in yet more wasteful expenditure, further diverting public funds away from essential service delivery.
Instead of focusing on improving service delivery and addressing its failing customer service, GTM continues to engage in legal battles that serve no public interest.
The DA will continue to expose maladministration in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and demand accountability for the misuse of taxpayer funds. We will ensure that residents receive the proper services they deserve, rather than footing the bill for the Municipality’s irresponsible litigation tactics.