VEREENIGING – Leaked documents reveal a bitter feud within the ANC in Sedibeng, as Mayor Lerato Maloka fights alleged unlawful moves that could cost her office — and the symbolic mayoral chain.

The memo, dated September 1 and addressed to all councillors, accuses Speaker of Council Cllr. Moipone Modikeng of misleading council and bypassing proper legal procedures in an investigation targeting the Mayor.

Maloka says the Speaker acted on “the wrong advice of the Municipal Manager,” ignoring due process required under the Municipal Structures Act and the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

According to the memo, the Speaker concealed critical information, misled council into approving an external investigation costing an estimated R500,000, and ignored supply chain and budgetary rules.

Maloka adds she has been denied access to the investigation report, and that the process included attempts to remove her as a councillor and political office bearer — directly threatening her position and the ceremonial mayoral chain — despite allegations she describes as “frivolous” and lacking evidence.

While the memo does not explicitly mention the missing chain, it comes amid public scrutiny over the R465,000 ceremonial chain, last seen at the State of the District Address on 23 June 2023.

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Police opened a theft case in November 2023, but the investigation was closed in August 2025 after prosecutors cited insufficient evidence.

Whether the investigation referenced in the memo relates to the missing chain is unconfirmed.

Maloka has approached the Public Protector to investigate ongoing maladministration and urged councillors to uphold their constitutional duty.

The leaked memo exposes a fractured council where procedural fairness and accountability appear sidelined, and political infighting threatens to undermine the credibility of Sedibeng’s municipal leadership.