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On 23 October 2025, ActionSA’s National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont, condemned the Democratic Alliance’s recent claim of R777 million water tanker expenditure in Tshwane as misleading and politically motivated. Beaumont presented verified financial data showing inflated figures and exposed DA’s past failures in water infrastructure management.
What Happened
ActionSA accused the DA of spreading false information about water tanker spending in Tshwane. The DA’s claim of R777 million includes duplicated, cancelled orders, and unpaid invoices dating back to the DA’s term.
Beaumont clarified that during the DA-led administration, verified water tanker expenses totaled R419 million, while the current coalition administration spent R342 million since taking office on 16 October 2024.
He further explained that unpaid DA invoices of R179 million from 2023/24 were only settled in 2025, misleadingly inflating recent expenditure figures.
Official Response
Beaumont criticised DA leader Cilliers Brink for neglecting payments and blamed the party for infrastructure failures causing increased tanker usage. He pointed to current administration efforts, such as installing hydrant meters, expanding tanker fleets, and investing in boreholes to ensure long-term water security.
“The truth is simple. Under the DA, costs ballooned while infrastructure collapsed,” Beaumont said.
He also supported a forensic investigation led by the Executive Mayor to uncover the full facts behind water tanker expenditures.
Community Impact
Residents of Tshwane continue to suffer from water outages and infrastructure issues rooted in past mismanagement. The DA’s failure to maintain water systems contributed to a cholera outbreak that claimed 31 lives in Hammanskraal in 2023.
The current coalition government promises transparency and lasting solutions to provide reliable water access for residents. ActionSA calls for honesty over political opportunism, urging DA to own its record instead of misleading the public.
