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FS Cogta MEC to answer on Nketoana issues

───   KATLEHO MORAPELA 10:47 Mon, 12 Nov 2018

FS Cogta MEC to answer on Nketoana issues | News Article

The Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Oupa Khoabane, is soon expected to answer questions on the governance of the Nketoana Local Municipality.


This, after minister Zweli Mkhizwe wrote him a letter enquiring about the state of the municipality and the appointment of its Municipal Manager, Lekgetho Mokgatlhe. It is alleged that this municipality’s manager was appointed without following the correct procedures and without meeting the requirements for the position. In a letter dated October 30, sent to Khoabane, the minister seeks an explanation as to why the municipal manager is still in office and what plans Khoabane has to address the matter. His response to the minister is expected by the end of the week. Nketoana Local Municipality is amongst the dysfunctional Free State municipalities that are in the red with Eskom and water boards. It owes the power utility more than R163 million.

Last week, OFM News reported that Mkhize during his address at the Free State Local Government Lekgotla said the irregular appointment of Municipal Managers and other senior managers at municipalities as well as any irregularities in procurement processes will not be tolerated.

He announced that his office will now be vetting appointments that are made in key positions to ensure that no one occupies an office of power without meeting all the requirements of the position under question.

His statement also came at a time when questions regarding the appointment of senior managers in municipalities were raised following the power struggle at the Fezile Dabi Municipality.

PHOTO: Twitter

This financially troubled municipality made national headlines last month when its executive mayor, Oumix Oliphant, was ousted through a motion of no confidence spearheaded by her fellow ANC comrades. The re-election of the former mayor, Max Moshodi, as her successor raised further questions.

It is alleged that many of the challenges at this municipality were allegedly caused by the feud between Oliphant and her Municipal Manager, Lindi Molibeli, which had been sparked by the mayor’s refusal to approve Molibeli’s employment contract, due to allegations of corruption and maladministration.

After being appointed by the council at the end of November 2017, Molibeli approached the High Court in August for clarity on her appointment. This, as Oliphant allegedly refused to sign her contract, nor her performance agreement placing her position in question.

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