DA opposes Phalaborwa manager appointment
The DA has rejected the appointment of Motlalepula Mphachoe as acting municipal manager in Ba-Phalaborwa, citing poor service delivery record.
LIMPOPO – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly opposed the appointment of Motlalepula Mphachoe as the acting municipal manager for Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, citing concerns over her track record in service delivery.
The party announced on Wednesday, March 19, that it will formally write to Coghsta MEC, Basikopo Makamu, urging intervention in the ongoing failure to appoint a permanent municipal manager.
The DA’s rejection follows a decision taken in a special council sitting on Monday to appoint Mphachoe, who currently serves as the senior manager of technical services, as the new acting municipal manager.
This marks the second acting appointment since the last permanent manager vacated the position. According to the DA caucus leader in Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Lebogang Rakoma, Mphachoe has been ineffective in her current role, as demonstrated by the deteriorating state of infrastructure and poor service delivery.
“Despite her apparent poor performance, the ANC has decided to reward this ineptitude with a promotion to acting municipal manager,” Rakoma stated. Rakoma further pointed to a joint portfolio committee meeting held in November, where Mphachoe’s capacity was called into question. She reportedly failed to account for critical service delivery issues, including the maintenance of sewerage, roads, and water infrastructure, the replacement of light bulbs at Lulekani Stadium, and the repair of public and municipal office toilets, some of which have remained broken for years.
“The DA objected to her appointment and when we raised our concern in the sitting, Mayor Merriam Malatji seemingly acknowledged that as the ANC they are aware of her shortcomings but would still proceed with supporting the appointment. This is simply unacceptable,” said Rakoma.
Moreover, the DA believes that Mphachoe’s appointment will not improve service delivery in Ba-Phalaborwa. “As a council, we must ensure the municipality runs smoothly, provides service delivery, and remains accountable to the community we serve, not to promote ineffective officials to benefit the ANC,” she added.
At the time of print, the municipality could not be reached for comment.
