THE Greater Tubatse Municipality is in shambles both politically and administratively, with its mayor recalled by the ANC, and its acting municipal manager called on to step down amid allegations of corruption and maladministration.
ANC Limpopo spokesperson, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the ANC’s provincial executive committee (PEC) considered the weaknesses, challenges and successes of the municipality and as a way of strengthening the ANC’s service delivery mechanisms at local government level, decided to recall mayor Josias Mahlake.
“The PEC did not arrive at this decision lightly but was informed by consultations with and recommendations of the various structures of the ANC including regional executive committees. The ANC deployment processes will be followed to find a replacement, in full compliance with legislation.”
At the same time the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) in Limpopo wants acting municipal manager, Mary Monyepau to step down after allegations of corruption.
Samwu Limpopo general secretary, Sam Mathe, alleged that Monyepau appointed a law firm that was not a registered forensic investigator to conduct a forensic investigation at an inflated hourly rate equal to more than double the going rate.
Mathe claimed that a fraudulent travelling claim of R54 000 instead of R5 400 was submitted on this firm’s behalf.
“Under the acting municipal manager, the municipality failed to submit financial statements to the Auditor-General last year,” he said.
He said the council made a resolution in May last year that Monyepau would be acting municipal manager for three months.
“Why is she continuing as acting municipal manager,” he questioned.
“We call on the cooperative governance, human settlement and traditional affairs (Coghsta) MEC, Makoma Makhurupetje, to be a Mrs Fix-it, if she wants to succeed in turning local government around.”
Municipal spokesperson, Patricia Kgoete said the municipality would investigate the allegations made and comment on the matter soon.
Coghsta spokesperson Motupa Selomo said his office was still studying the documents Samwu had submitted, and will also comment on the matter shortly.
