According to a public auction notice issued by the Lejweleputswa district sheriff, the sale follows a judgment handed down by the Theunissen Magistrate’s Court on 26 March 2025. The auction is scheduled for 26 November at 10:00 at the Magistrate’s Court on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Le Roux streets in Theunissen. The goods will be sold by public auction to the highest bidder for cash.

The notice states that the sheriff's office will make the conditions of sale available 24 hours before the auction. It further indicates the goods will be sold for cash to the highest bidder or, where applicable, subject to confirmation in terms of the Consumer Protection Act, on the instructions of the judgment creditor or their attorney.

The assets listed for auction include two Ford Bantam bakkies, a Nissan bakkie, a Toyota Quantum, a Nissan NP300, a Chevrolet Aveo, a mobile VIP toilet and another Toyota Quantum.

The latest development comes as the municipality faces further pressure to meet its financial obligations. On Thursday (22/10), Masilonyana informed employees of another bank account attachment by MWRF, raising fresh concerns about the payment of salaries.

In a letter to employees, the municipality said it would begin releasing salaries according to employee levels from Friday. It added that it would do everything possible to ensure all employees were paid by the official monthly payment deadline the following Wednesday.

OFM News previously reported the municipality spends approximately R18m a month on salaries while collecting only between R1.8m and R2m in monthly revenue. Its rates and taxes collection rate is estimated at 20%.

The municipality’s financial difficulties have also affected payments to creditors, including the South African Revenue Service and employee pension funds. Parliament’s standing committee on public accounts previously heard that Masilonyana allegedly owed third parties approximately R75m, despite deductions having been made from employees’ salaries.

Repeated attachments of municipal bank accounts have disrupted cash flow and contributed to salary delays. The financial crisis has also coincided with deteriorating service delivery, with some communities reportedly experiencing prolonged water and electricity outages.

Concerns have further been raised over the municipality’s continued receipt of disclaimer audit opinions over the past decade, despite its reliance on consultants to prepare financial statements.

Masilonyana, which includes Theunissen, Brandfort, Winburg and Verkeerdevlei, was placed under provincial administration in 2022. Key leadership positions have since been occupied by acting officials, with permanent appointments still outstanding.

The municipality has also been embroiled in legal disputes, including a prolonged battle involving former senior official Itumeleng Mogaecho over alleged unfair dismissal and labour practices.

Despite rulings by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council ordering compensation by October, the municipality reportedly failed to comply, resulting in the attachment of municipal vehicles to recover damages. Masilonyana challenged the attachment in court in 2025.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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