Cape Town's reputation as South Africa's model metro has taken a political and symbolic knock after the city lost its prized clean audit status, a development now fuelling criticism of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the DA's long-standing governance, Cape town Etc reports.
For years, the DA has proudly positioned Cape Town as proof that clean administration and stable municipal management are possible in South Africa. The city's clean audits became central to that branding, often used during election campaigns as evidence that the party could govern better than its rivals. Now, however, that image is facing renewed scrutiny.
Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke confirmed that the City of Cape Town no longer qualifies for a clean audit after procurement and supply chain management problems were identified during the latest audit cycle.
