The Mangaung metro municipal council approved the appointments on Thursday, 29 January, following a structured interview and selection process. Mangaung Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi formally welcomed the newly appointed board members, describing the occasion as an important step forward for the entity. 

The new board comprises M Ntshudisane as Chairperson, D Barlow as Deputy Chairperson, G Malaza, Advocate L Tloubatla, Z Gcwili, A Godongwana, and E Markus. 

The mayor extended his well wishes to the members as they assume their responsibilities during what is expected to be a critical term for the utility.

“The mayor officially welcomed the new board during its first meeting and reiterated expectations of strong governance,” said Mangaung executive mayor spokesperson Themba Vryman. “The term of office for the newly appointed board commenced on Sunday, 1 February, and ends on 31 January 2029.”

“In the first meeting, the executive mayor called upon the newly appointed members to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, and further wished them well in discharging their new responsibilities.”

The appointments follow a turbulent period for Centlec in 2025, marked by public disputes over the status of the previous board.

At the time, Mangaung Metro claimed it had dissolved the board due to what City Manager Sello More described as a complete and irreparable breakdown in relations between the board and Centlec management.

However, then-board chairperson Casca Mokitlane strongly disputed this, stating that the board had not been formally dissolved but was instead deliberately undermined through actions that prevented it from reaching quorum and fulfilling its duties.

Meanwhile, the power utility has implemented a 60-day general amnesty on meter tampering, illegal electricity connections, and unauthorised meter relocations.

The amnesty forms part of Centlec’s broader strategy to restore financial sustainability, protect critical electricity infrastructure, and improve service delivery in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, and Thaba Nchu, said Centlec acting spokesperson Tseliso Leba.

Electricity consumers in Mangaung who have tampered with meters, made illegal connections, or relocated meter boxes without approval are encouraged to come forward and apply for amnesty to normalise their status without immediate penalties.

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh