Limpopo’s Thulamela manager resigns amid tender corruption scandal
Suspended Thulamela municipal manager Masala Makumule has resigned following a Hawks investigation into multimillion-rand tender allegations.
LIMPOPO – Masala Makumule, the suspended municipal manager of the Thulamela Local Municipality, has officially resigned from his position, effective August 12.
He was placed on suspension in June in light of allegations of unauthorised and illegal awarding of tenders worth millions of rands.
Makumule was previously investigated by the Limpopo Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in September 2024 on charges of corruption and maladministration.
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At the time, police officers and Hawks teams visited the Thulamela Municipality, presenting search warrants and confiscating electronic devices from municipal employees.
While no arrests were made immediately, several senior officials including Makumule were detained and later released pending further investigations.
Thulamela spokesperson Nndwamato Tshiila confirmed the resignation, stating that the council had received and accepted Makumule’s resignation letter.
“The letter primarily indicates his resignation and includes a note of thanks to the municipality for the opportunity to serve,” Tshiila said.
Asked if the municipality will, regardless of his resignation, take steps against Makumule, Tshiila said a decision will be made once they have sought legal advice.
Attempts to reach Makumule for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone repeatedly rang unanswered at the time of going to press.
