A WhatsApp message in the Herald’s possession, from one of the top officials in the ANC in NW 405, suggests that there is political interference and meddling in the MM’s duties.

In the message, dated 12 July, the ANC chief whip, Mpho Matsapola, asks one of the politicians to intervene and assist. The message to the unidentified politician reads: ‘…so leadership my request to you is do the right thing as it is of utmost importance that in our office we work with people that we know and trust…’ (sic).

Matsapola goes on to ask why the appointment of the manager was done without her knowledge, and questions the shortlists of the administrative assistant and the senior assistant. She added that she is only aware of the vacancy for a PA. ‘In each and every municipality, the ANC carries out its mandate through the offices of the whips,’ the text continues. She also points out that the contract of the acting CFO ended on 3 June and that Kgosietsile Kgosiemang should be appointed as the acting CFO.

She accuses the executive mayor of dragging his feet in notifying the MM about her contract ending and advertising the post. ‘Thanks, leadership will await your revolutionary intervention,’ she concluded.

In the light of this conversation, the Systems Act prohibits political interference in the administration. According to the Act, a municipal councillor may not interfere in the administration or give instructions to any employee of the municipal council, unless mandated to do so.

The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) also prohibits political interference and states that it a criminal offence for a municipal councillor to try and influence the municipal manager or any other staff manager.

A media enquiry was sent to Matsapola at 16:28 on Monday. In her telephonic response to the Herald, the ANC chief whip declined to comment on the leaked Whatsapp message.