“Section 54A of the Municipal Structures Act clearly outlines how an acting Municipal Manager should be appointed, and the council did not follow that process.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matatiele Local Municipality has strongly criticised the recent appointment of executive committee and ad hoc committee members, describing the process as “unfortunate and unjust” to the voters. This follows a council meeting held earlier this week where the municipality reconfigured several portfolio committee heads.
DA councillor Wonga Potwana did not hold back in his criticism, particularly targeting the appointment of Sicelo Maphasa to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC). “We are given Sicelo Maphasa, who knows nothing about the Municipal Public Accounts Committee, who knows nothing about investigating corruption or identifying wrongdoing. He is the kind of person who, during council meetings, simply seconds whatever is said by the Chief Whip, Councillor Nomonde Nkukhu even when it is incorrect,” said Potwana. “He even seconds wrong minutes and statements, and only changes when the original speaker realises the mistake. We cannot rely on such a person,” he added.
Potwana also criticised the appointment of Susan Mokhesi as the portfolio head of Economic Development Planning, questioning her experience. “She has never run a business, she has never owned a business, yet she is expected to lead the Local Economic Development sector in Matatiele. How will she manage that? How are we going to have small businesses thrive under such leadership? It is impossible,” he said.
However, the DA welcomed the appointment of Sindile Mbulawa as the portfolio head of Public Participation and Petitions, citing his background in law enforcement. “He has worked at SAPS as an investigator for 24 years. He has the expertise to detect potential unrest in communities, to listen, and to respond effectively. He understands how to assess situations and manage conflict,” said Potwana. “Based on his experience, he is fit for purpose, and I commend the ANC for this appointment. For the first time in many years, a suitably qualified person has been placed in this position,” he added.
Among the recent appointments is the former mayor of Matatiele Local Municipality Sonwabile Mngenela, who has been assigned to lead the portfolio of budget and treasury. The former mayor had previously stepped down from his position following allegations of fraud and corruption. The case was subsequently reviewed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which found no evidence to support the charges, effectively clearing him of wrongdoing.
Potwana further raised concerns about the extension of the contract of acting Municipal Manager, Nokhanyo Zembe, alleging that the process was irregular. “Section 54A of the Municipal Structures Act clearly outlines how an acting Municipal Manager should be appointed, and council did not follow that process,” he said. “There was supposed to be a meeting with the MEC before this decision, but that did not happen. Furthermore, there are concerns about appointments made under her leadership, including individuals who do not meet the required qualifications,” he alleged.
He also claimed that certain administrative processes were not properly followed, including the signing of reports by relevant managers and alleged backdating of documentation. “All in all, we are in serious trouble under this acting Municipal Manager. There are also allegations that travel allowances are being paid fraudulently,” said Potwana.
In response to similar allegations raised previously, Matatiele Local Municipality stated that all travel allowance claims are processed in line with approved policies and applicable legislation, and are supported by the required documentation for official municipal duties. The municipality also indicated that it is not aware of claims that officials are demanding payments from service providers. It further emphasised its commitment to efficient governance and to upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in all its operations.
