Modise appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) on Friday (25/7) to account for a slew of governance failures plaguing the troubled municipality. Among the questions raised was a luxury trip she took to Durban in December 2024, allegedly using a municipal vehicle and a credit card.

When grilled by MPs, Modise denied any wrongdoing, stating that the trip was long organised with other staff members; however, no municipal resources were used, and the trip was not even sponsored by anyone.

However, her version of events was swiftly contradicted by new Municipal Manager Mojalefa Matlole, who told the Committee that there were clear financial implications for the municipality. “It’s not true that there was no financial implication because the mayor has a petrol card and that was utilised, and we have evidence in that regard,” he revealed.

Matlole further said Modise was expected to attend the Free State Local Government Summit in Welkom during the week of the Durban trip. Instead, she allegedly misled both her office and provincial structures by claiming she was attending a family funeral in Winburg.

“The mayor said to me she will be in Winburg. The mayor also spoke to the person I know at the legislature. When she was required to attend a certain meeting, the mayor mentioned to that person that she was attending her uncle’s funeral … Then that’s when I got to know through social media where they had taken pictures of that particular car where the mayor was, and also some of the staff that I’m not aware whether they took leave from work,” Matlole added.

Step-up had reported that Modise and five staff members, including her personal assistant, left for Durban on Tuesday, 3 December, and returned on Friday, 6 December.

The group reportedly stayed at a luxurious hotel. Photo supplied

Matlole said the Toyota Fortuner used for the journey is registered to the municipality, and petrol for the trip was purchased using a municipal credit card, contradicting Modise’s claims under oath.

It’s understood that Modise was supposed to attend the Free State Local Government Summit in Matjhabeng.

This incident comes amid longstanding tensions between Modise and local communities. Residents and workers have frequently voiced frustrations, demanding her removal as mayor. 

However, the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has stood by Modise. Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoaneng downplayed the controversy, claiming the issues are more administrative than political.

Masilonyana has been in dire straits for years. During a recent appearance before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), MPs accused officials of running the municipality into the ground, highlighting the shocking fact that only R100 was allocated for water and sewerage infrastructure in the 2022/2023 financial year.

Free State MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Saki Mokwena, confirmed that provincial authorities had attempted to locate Modise during the time of the Durban trip.

This municipal vehicle was allegedly used for the trip. Photo supplied

“We were told by the municipality that she was attending a funeral. Only later did we see pictures on social media. We still have not received a formal report on whether this was an official or private trip,” said Mokwena.

He stated that the inconsistencies and revelations presented to the Portfolio Committee warrant a deeper probe.

Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, expressed concern. “The provincial government is worried about the level of defiance taking place in municipalities. Some of the things that came up from Masilonyana were completely new to us,” she said.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg