In a dramatic turn of events, Mayor Lerato Maloka has broken her silence, calling for an independent Section 106 investigation into the Sedibeng District Municipality, citing widespread maladministration and what she terms ‘unfounded allegations’ against her.

According to Vaalweekblad, Maloka addressed the media yesterday and detailed a series of governance failures allegedly perpetuated by the current municipal manager, Motsumi Mathe, and other senior officials.

These include irregular staff promotions, concealment of financial irregularities, and failure to recover funds improperly paid to legal firms. Maloka claimed the administration’s focus has shifted from community needs to internal power struggles and self-interest.

Explosive accusations against top officials

Among the most explosive allegations, Maloka accuses the municipal manager and Speaker of Council Moipone Modikeng of manipulating council minutes, obstructing disciplinary action, and misleading council and the public.

She also claims deliberate efforts have been made to falsely implicate her in the widely reported theft of the mayoral chain following a break-in at her office.

“I have been intimidated, harassed, and subjected to falsehoods in the media. This is not just about me — it’s about accountability,” Maloka said.

Investigation requests submitted

Maloka confirmed that formal requests have been submitted to the Gauteng MEC for Local Government and the Public Protector to launch a thorough investigation into the municipality’s administration.

She said the full report will be released by the MEC in due course.

This announcement comes in the wake of multiple scandals and recent political turbulence, including failed motions of no confidence and rebellion within her own Mayoral Committee.

Suspension reports ‘premature’

Meanwhile, Vaalweekblad also reports that earlier claims Maloka had been suspended appear to have been premature.

According to Salome Janse van Rensburg, a DA councillor in Sedibeng, the mayor has not yet been suspended.

“The mayor has not been suspended yet. We sent a recommendation through to the MEC to have her suspended. She has not been suspended yet,” Janse van Rensburg told Vaalweekblad yesterday.