Head of the provincial department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mokete Duma, confirms the council interrogated Kubeka regarding allegations made against him in the midst of two-week long strike action by disgruntled Kopanong employees. 

OFM News reported municipal workers downed tools on February 26, citing non-payment of salaries and third party contributions as the reason. 

When interviewed on February 27, Kubeka refuted allegations that February salaries had not been paid, arguing that he had in fact authorised salary payments and was certain that all the employees will receive their money in no time. 

What Kubeka did not address in his response to OFM News enquiries, was that the allegations weren’t limited to February salaries and contributions. 

In June 2018, the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) led a march at Trompsburg, demanding the municipality pay over outstanding medical aid and pension fund contributions to the tune ofmillions. 

Samwu provincial secretary, Thabang Tseoua, alleged the third party contributions were deducted from employee salaries, but nothing was sent to pension funds, and as a result Kopanong owed varied funds over R 52 million. 

Over the course of 2018, OFM News interviewed retired employee, 65-year-old Klaas Ruiters, and current employees Monamodi Maphalane and Phutheho Mosunkutu on how the non-payments have impacted their lives. 

Following the march, the municipality and the union reached a payment agreement in which the municipality would pay overmedical aid contributions to the tune of R4,1 million as a matter of urgency. 

They further committed to taking 40% of the municipality's equitable share of revenue raised nationally and pay it over towards pension and provident funds, focusing on paying over the contributions of retired employees and those near retirement first. 

Kopanong, however, reneged on this plan, sparking outrage. 

In November 2018, the municipality obtained acourt order from the Free State High Court effectively blocking an auction of its vehicles at the eleventh hour. This as the Municipal Workers Retirement Fund (MWRF) obtained an order from the High Court to have the municipality's assets attached for auction to ensure that the municipality would settle contributions. 

Duma says the provincial Cogta department is further looking into the allegations made at the municipality to determine which areas need attention. 

Kubeka is yet to respond to OFM News’ questions on his special leave. 

The Xhariep District Municipality confirmed this week, the acting Municipal Manager is Nkululeko Kelepu.  

OFM News