The City of Tshwane has denied spending R777 million on water tankers in the 2024/25 financial year.

The city is under mounting scrutiny over the reported expenditure, which allegedly exceeded the approved budget by R457 million.

The unprecedented rise in spending has triggered public outrage, opposition criticism, and calls for immediate transparency and accountability.

City of Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka says, “The executive mayor will lead her executive in giving an account to the residents of Tshwane around the issue of the R777 million spent. Therefore, there’s going to be a breakdown with regard to each cent that was spent and how it has accumulated to this point. But just briefly, there’s a difference of over R108 million that is going to be explained by the Mayor. Therefore, the R777 million is incorrect.”

The city has launched an investigation into the matter.  Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says the city understands public concern over the matter.

“It is important to correct factual inaccuracies and provide context about how this expenditure arose, what the verified figures show, and the measures being implemented to strengthen oversight and reduce dependency on water tankers.”

The City of Tshwane sets the record straight on recent reports about water tankers. #MediaBriefing #WaterTankers pic.twitter.com/jWRc9Skjax

— City of Tshwane (@CityTshwane) October 23, 2025