Makhado speaker criticised over unlawful committee appointment

LIMPOPO – Makhado Municipality speaker Gumani Mukwevho-Mitileni is facing criticism after appointing an ad hoc committee without council approval.

In a statement on March 11, she announced the appointment of a seven-member independent committee to investigate delays in appointing a director of technical services.

Opposition party members and some councillors from the ruling party have, however, deemed her actions unlawful.

The ongoing political infighting within the municipality has further escalated tensions.

On February 28, a council meeting was delayed by nearly 90 minutes as ANC councillors debated whether to suspend the municipal manager, as reported on in last week’s edition.

Mukwevho-Mitileni stated that the ad hoc committee will review all relevant documentation, meet with key stakeholders, and submit recommendations to the council.

She stressed that the committee comprises experienced and respected professionals, including law practitioners and engineers, who uphold ethical leadership and public service expertise.

She maintained that the municipal manager had been mandated to advertise and appoint a qualified individual for the position, but his inaction prompted the need for the investigation.

Referring to a council resolution, Mukwevho-Mitileni argued that her office, as the custodian of council resolutions, is committed to transparency, accountability, and efficient governance.

She assured that the committee would complete its probe and submit recommendations within 30 days.

The appointment has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters.

DA provincial chairperson Jacques Smalle said the Municipal Structures Act (sections 79 and 80) outlines procedures for establishing committees, requiring council approval and a transparent nomination process.

He warned that the speaker’s unilateral decision could be legally challenged and labelled the move as wasteful expenditure.

The DA, he said, would not support the process and would call for a council vote to ensure accountability.

ANC councillor Sipho Masuka dismissed the speaker’s claim, stating that the last special council meeting had no agenda item concerning the formation of an ad hoc committee.

He accused Mukwevho-Mitileni and the chief whip of attempting to introduce a motion to suspend the municipal manager “through the back door,” which the council had rejected.

Masuka added that the proposal by the corporate services subcommittee to suspend the municipal manager was also rejected in favour of the executive committee’s recommendations. “We do not have money for playing Masikitani (playing games),” Masuka said.

“All funds should be directed toward service delivery.”

International Revelation Congress (IRC) councillor Dan Singo echoed similar concerns, asserting that the speaker had overstepped her authority.

He insisted that the issue must be tabled before the council for discussion and approval.

“Who is going to pay for this? The municipality or the speaker herself?” he asked.

Makhado spokesperson Mpho Rathando clarified that the municipality does not support the speaker’s statement regarding the ad hoc committee.

He stated that no council resolution authorised the appointment of such a committee, and the speaker’s announcement does not reflect the municipality’s official stance.

“The municipality remains committed to transparency, accountability, and due process,” Rathando concluded.