Former Ekurhuleni mayor Tania Campbell faces mounting scrutiny over multiple allegations involving municipal appointments, property transactions, and procurement decisions during her tenure leading the DA-led multiparty government between 2021 and 2023. According to former senior city officials and a municipal security service provider, Campbell allegedly attempted to interfere with a head of department appointment, pushed an R85 million property deal despite warnings that the land was a mine dump, and failed to act on reported problems surrounding a R405 million security technology tender.
Alleged Interference in Municipal Appointments
A former senior official stated that Campbell and another high-ranking DA councillor attempted to alter interview scores for a head of department position after the selection panel finished its work. The official refused the request, explaining that the panel had completed its function and that the appointment needed to proceed to council for finalization. According to the official, the intervention aimed to change the marks of a specific candidate to secure them the job.
The official alleged that Campbell subsequently told then city manager Imogen Mashazi that she was “not for us” to indicate she was not on-side. Mashazi later informed the official that Campbell was angry about the refusal.
Disputed R85 Million Property Transaction and Mine Dump Site
In a separate matter, a city official stated that Campbell personally raised an R85 million property transaction for human settlements development. The proposed seller was identified as a woman named Taniel Cloete. When the official consulted the relevant divisional head to determine if the city should support the purchase, they discovered the site was a mine dump that could not be used for its intended purpose. “It’s a lot of money for the city, and you can’t settle anybody there,” the official said.
DA Gauteng local government spokesperson Fred Nel disputed suggestions that Campbell could have directed such a purchase, noting that a mayor lacks the authority to instruct the municipal administration to buy property. Furthermore, questions emerged regarding the proposed seller’s property interests. Records reviewed by reporters showed only one residential property in Boksburg valued at about R1 million registered to Cloete, with no property matching the land at the centre of the R85 million transaction.
Did You Know? The proposed seller in the disputed R85 million property transaction, Taniel Cloete, was found to have only a single residential property in Boksburg valued at about R1 million, while no property matching the land at the centre of the deal could be identified as belonging to her.
Although the municipal purchase did not proceed, Cloete subsequently instituted high court proceedings against the city for roughly the same amount. “She sued us after we declined the transaction,” the official said. “There is a summons for R85 million.” Nel stated that the DA trusted the legal proceedings would expose the facts related to the dispute.
Oversight Concerns Regarding the R405 Million Security Tender
A distinct procurement controversy emerged involving a security technology tender intended to combat infrastructure and cable theft during Campbell’s tenure. A source alleged that the incumbent provider billed more than four times less than the winning bid, which totaled R405 million. The source stated they personally warned Campbell about procurement problems before bids were submitted. “I said to Tania Campbell: ‘Listen, mayor Campbell, there is a problem. You need to exercise oversight,'” the source recounted, adding that their written plea remains unanswered.
Nel countered that politicians are excluded from municipal bid committees and cannot award tenders to suppliers. However, the source clarified that the allegation is not that Campbell personally awarded the contract, but rather that she failed to intervene through her oversight role. Campbell did not respond to the allegations by the time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What period do the allegations against Tania Campbell cover?
The allegations relate to Campbell’s time leading the DA-led multiparty government in Ekurhuleni between 2021 and 2023.
Who made the allegations regarding the R85 million property deal?
The allegations were made by a former senior city official who investigated the proposed purchase and discovered the site was a mine dump.
What was the nature of the security tender controversy?
A source alleged that an incumbent security provider billed more than four times less than the winning R405 million bid, and that Campbell failed to act after being warned in writing about procurement problems before bids were submitted.
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