The Sol Plaatje Municipal Council in Kimberley has suspended municipal manager Thapelo Matlala following serious allegations of financial misconduct and irregular contract dealings. This move has drawn both praise from community leaders and criticism from opposition parties over procedural concerns.
Community leader Tumelo Mosikare welcomed the council’s decision on Tuesday, 17 September, saying it demonstrated a renewed commitment to prioritising service delivery and community interests.
“It seems after ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa’s plea to ANC councillors to be more accountable to citizens, their attitude has changed, they are more serious about service delivery.” – Tumelo Mosikare
In the meeting the councillors did not say that the municipal manager is guilty, but the allegations that are levelled against him are of a serious nature and it’s financial misconduct,” Mosikare explained.
The suspension comes as the municipality faces severe financial constraints, with high tariffs forcing businesses to close and making it difficult for residents to pay municipal bills.
“The municipality is in trouble financially at this point. We are struggling to pay the municipality as residents and businesses because the tariffs are very high,” Mosikare said.
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Concerning allegations revealed
The allegations against Matlala centre around a sewage pump station upgrade contract in Roodepan, involving Legaeng and Eagle Street. According to community sources, a complex chain of events unfolded: The original contractor struggled to make progress and requested to transfer the contract to another company. This company allegedly belonged to a businessman who was Matlala’s childhood friend and former business partner, though this relationship was not disclosed by the municipal manager.
The investigation reveals several concerning allegations:
- the municipality paid R500 000 in South African Revenue Service (SARS) obligations on behalf of the company;
- Matlala allegedly wrote a letter to Standard Bank requesting an extension of the company’s credit line; and
- when the Public Protector became involved, Matlala allegedly shared his sworn statement with the businessman to help align their testimonies. The Hawks are currently investigating the matter.
Additional concerns include the verbal appointment of companies for electrical work without following proper supply chain management processes, resulting in a court case that will cost the municipality approximately R2 million in payments and interest.
Concerns about process
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Democratic Alliance (DA) abstained from voting on the suspension, citing concerns about due process.
Willie Erasmus, DA councillor, warned that the council had “failed to take the damning allegations seriously” by not appointing an investigator before the disciplinary process began.
“The lack of an investigation has thwarted the disciplinary process, as there was no evidence other than hearsay allegations and media speculation available,” he stated in a press release.
The party expressed concerns about repeating past mistakes, referencing the cases of former municipal manager Goolam Akharwaray and former chief financial officer (CFO) Lydia Mahloko, who continued receiving full salaries for years whilst suspended without being disciplined or charged, costing the municipality millions in duplicate salaries.
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‘Credible forensic investigators needed’
Community leaders are demanding a proper, independent investigation to restore credibility.
Mosikare emphasised that local legal firms with municipal relationships should not handle the investigation, calling instead for independent forensic investigators, potentially involving the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
“They need to get credible forensic investigators to do this investigation for their credibility to stand. Because at this point our trust is partially restored in our councillors,” he said.
According to municipal regulations, a disciplinary hearing must commence within three months of the suspension, or the suspension will automatically lapse. The council has also committed to implementing several governance improvements, including maintaining a register of all resolutions and monitoring their implementation.
Community leaders hope that whoever is appointed in an acting capacity will prioritise community interests, terminate controversial debt collection contracts, and address electricity pricing to make the city more affordable for residents and businesses.
“The suspension represents a significant moment for Sol Plaatje Municipality, with community leaders cautiously optimistic about the council’s renewed commitment to accountability whilst opposition parties monitor the process to ensure proper procedures are followed,” Mosikare says.
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