This is according to the Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). Spokesperson, Zolile Lobe, tells OFM News that all municipalities in the province are compelled to ensure quality services to communities irrespective of any alleged power struggles or disagreements whatsoever. Lobe’s statement comes amid mounting questions over the leadership at Fezile Dabi District Municipality, Kopanong, as well as Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipalities.

Following on-going court battles at Fezile Dabi over the appointment of Municipal Manager, Lindi Molibeli, and the recent suspension of Kopanong Municipal Manager, Martin Kubeka, social media has been abuzz with concerns over alleged power struggles within some of the municipalities in the province, with many users questioning the role of Cogta and the ruling party in the running of these municipalities.

OFM News previously reported that Molibeli took legal action against the decision made by Cogta’s previous MEC, Oupa Khoabane, to kick her to the curb. The department’s Head, Mokete Duma, in February confirmed that Molibeli remains in her position despite being instructed by the MEC to vacate office late last year.

This, after Khoabane in November 2018 wrote a letter to the executive mayor of the municipality, Max Moshodi, instructing him to release Molibeli from her position.

He, in that letter, stated that due processes were not followed in her appointment and that the decision taken by the municipal council regarding her appointment on November the 30th 2017, must be overturned.

Lobe confirms Molibeli counteracted the decision made by the department and that the matter is still sub judice.

Questions regarding the leadership at Kopanong Municipality, on the other hand, got under the spotlight in March after its Municipal Manager, Martin Kubeka, was placed on special leave pending investigations into maladministration and corruption allegations levelled against him by disgruntled employees.

Employees in this municipality were up in arms over non-payment of salaries and contributions to third parties and attributed the municipality’s dire financial state to Kubeka.

The financially distressed municipality is currently under the leadership of Mayor Thomas Matwa and Acting Municipal Manager. Nkululeko Kelepu.

Lobe, nonetheless, explains that municipalities must provide services in a sustainable manner to all inhabitants, irrespective of any inter-political and intra-political issues.

OFM News