The tender was initially advertised at R42 million, however, the service provider is reportedly demanding R74 million. The municipality has paid R54 million for the tender. Construction began in 2020.

The service provider still demands about R10 million more to complete the construction of the complex.

The opposition in the council says the work that has already been done does not tally with the amounts demanded.

The guard house was reportedly built at a cost of R400 000 and the caretaker’s house at R800 000. These are some of the queries raised by the opposition, who wants a probe into this.

"They are coming now and asking for another 20%, which is another 11 million. We say no, loud and clear. We’re going to say no, we’re not going to allow you to have excess money. What we want now is a complete investigation. What's around here, I don’t think it’s R20 million, but we’ve already paid out R54 million," denounced the Democratic Alliance's Johannes le Grange.

Economic Freedom Fighters’ Fikile Oortman fears the sports complex will turn into an expensive white elephant.

"This stadium very soon is going to be a den of criminals because no one’s going to use this thing. Even the department will not use this, and I can assure you that it will become a white elephant very soon. But now we are saying that because the money of the public has been spent here, people must be held accountable, in particular those who were involved in approving this," demanded Oortman.

Mayor defends tender

Though they also complain about the awarding of the tender, the municipality says the tender was regularly awarded.

"I can confirm that all supply chain processes were followed, and there is no malfeasance that has ever taken place as far as the bidding process, the appointment of the contractor and the awarding of the tender are concerned," defended Matlosana Municipality Mayor James Tsolela.

Tsolela has also justified their demand for more funds to complete the project.

"That R10 million will then force us to add other amenities that were removed from the scope of work, including your paving for parking areas, your lighting of the stadium itself, and other things that were removed from the scope of work," explained Tsolela.

The opposition, as well as the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, have ordered termination of the contract.

SABC News