Public Protector Finds City of Cape Town Guilty of Maladministration

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka found the City of Cape Town guilty of maladministration and improper conduct following a systemic investigation into service delivery failures in the Langa and Khayelitsha townships. The report, released on July 8, 2026, identifies widespread failures including persistent sewage overflows, inadequate water access in the SST-Marikana informal settlement, defective fire equipment at Langa Flats, and security shortcomings at the Mathew Goniwe and Town Two clinics.

Gcaleka ruled that these conditions violate constitutional rights to dignity, housing, healthcare, and safety. While the city cited budget constraints, vandalism, and land invasions as hindering progress, the Public Protector maintained that these factors do not absolve the municipality of its obligations.

Binding remedial actions require Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to table the report before the City Council within 60 days. Municipal Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo must implement specific infrastructure repairs, including restoring high-mast lighting and sewer systems. Additionally, the Finance Minister is tasked with assessing whether the intergovernmental fiscal framework adequately supports municipalities with major backlogs.

The City of Cape Town welcomed the report, arguing that it acknowledges their existing efforts and the financial pressures they face without sufficient national government support. The city also noted that some responsibilities, such as electricity provision for relocated families, fall under the jurisdiction of Eskom. Community leaders and political parties, including ActionSA, stated the findings validate years of resident complaints regarding deepening inequalities.