The matter was the subject of a Section 106 investigation initiated by North West MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Oageng Molapisi. The probe into claims of corruption, fraud, and maladministration in the Tswaing municipality was launched in October, and has since been finalised.

Section 106 authorises provincial MECs for local government to investigate municipalities if there is reason to believe they are failing to fulfil statutory obligations or if maladministration, fraud, corruption, or serious malpractice is occurring.

Allegations of misconduct

Provincial Cogta spokesperson Thebeetsile Keameditse confirmed the report was completed on 15 January and has been submitted to the National Council of Provinces, the provincial legislature, and the ministers of finance and of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, in line with legislative requirements.

The MEC is acting on the findings, referring allegations of misconduct against officials back to the municipality, while matters involving councillors will be dealt with in accordance with the code of conduct for councillors, said Keameditse.

The contentious land lies between Delareyville and Ottosdal. Photo supplied

Municipal land near the R507 between Delareyville and Ottosdal is at the centre of the controversy. The land, historically used by residents for agricultural activities, is regarded as vital to community livelihoods.

The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) is among those who have raised concerns. Sanco Tswaing zonal secretary Obakeng Montwedi alleged senior officials were irregularly appointed without following proper procedures or meeting required qualifications.

Montwedi claimed the municipality improperly exchanged the farming land for property of little value, prompting concerns over the fairness and legality of the exchange. While the municipality maintains the transaction was lawful, an eviction letter from attorneys representing a private client states the land was purchased by their client, raising questions about the nature and legitimacy of the deal.

‘Individuals associated with the parallel council allegedly
continued to act as though they held authority’

Additional allegations are contained in a leaked letter dated 18 November 2024, in which a community leader detailed claims of maladministration, abuse of power, and financial mismanagement. It calls for urgent intervention to safeguard land earmarked for community farming and to restore lawful governance.

According to the complaint, a group of councillors established an unlawful parallel council after disrupting official meetings. The structure was subsequently declared illegal by the high court in Mahikeng, ruling its resolutions null and void. Despite the court’s decision, individuals associated with the parallel council allegedly continued to act as though they held authority.

Decisive provincial intervention

The complaint also cites irregular appointments, the alleged theft of tender documents, financial mismanagement, failure to meet statutory obligations, including payments to Sars and Eskom, and serious service delivery shortcomings. It called for the removal of those implicated and for decisive provincial intervention to restore governance and rebuild public trust.

The Public Protector of South Africa is meanwhile conducting their own investigation. 

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OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi mc