{"id":270272,"date":"2025-09-19T11:09:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T09:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/?p=270272"},"modified":"2025-09-19T11:09:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T09:09:35","slug":"sol-plaatje-municipal-manager-suspended-amid-financial-misconduct-allegations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/sol-plaatje-municipal-manager-suspended-amid-financial-misconduct-allegations\/","title":{"rendered":"Sol Plaatje municipal manager suspended amid financial misconduct allegations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Sol Plaatje Municipal Council in Kimberley has suspended municipal manager Thapelo Matlala following serious allegations of financial misconduct and irregular contract dealings. This move has drawn both praise from community leaders and criticism from opposition parties over procedural concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community leader Tumelo Mosikare welcomed the council&#8217;s decision on Tuesday, 17 September, saying it demonstrated a renewed commitment to prioritising service delivery and community interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;It seems after ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa&#8217;s plea to ANC councillors to be more accountable to citizens, their attitude has changed, they are more serious about service delivery.&#8221; &#8211; Tumelo Mosikare<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In the meeting the councillors did not say that the municipal manager is guilty, but the allegations that are levelled against him are of a serious nature and it&#8217;s financial misconduct,&#8221; Mosikare explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The suspension comes as the municipality faces severe financial constraints, with high tariffs forcing businesses to close and making it difficult for residents to pay municipal bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The municipality is in trouble financially at this point. We are struggling to pay the municipality as residents and businesses because the tariffs are very high,&#8221; Mosikare said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/stadsbestuurder-het-sewe-dae-om-te-se-waarom-hy-nie-geskors-moet-word-nie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stadsbestuurder het sewe dae om te s\u00ea waarom hy nie geskors moet word nie<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-attachment-id=\"270279\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/sol-plaatje-municipal-manager-suspended-amid-financial-misconduct-allegations\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1280,720\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"the commencing of the special council meeting.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;the commencing of the special council meeting. Photo: Charn\u00e9 Kemp&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9-1024x576.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-270279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/404aa23e-84d8-40f4-a486-983799f24fd9.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">  the commencing of the Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, 17 September. Photo: Charn\u00e9 Kemp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-concerning-allegations-revealed\">Concerning allegations revealed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The allegations against Matlala centre around a sewage pump station upgrade contract in Roodepan, involving Legaeng and Eagle Street. According to community sources, a complex chain of events unfolded: The original contractor struggled to make progress and requested to transfer the contract to another company. This company allegedly belonged to a businessman who was Matlala&#8217;s childhood friend and former business partner, though this relationship was not disclosed by the municipal manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The investigation reveals several concerning allegations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the municipality paid R500 000 in South African Revenue Service (SARS) obligations on behalf of the company;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Matlala allegedly wrote a letter to Standard Bank requesting an extension of the company&#8217;s credit line; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>when the Public Protector became involved, Matlala allegedly shared his sworn statement with the businessman to help align their testimonies. The Hawks are currently investigating the matter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional concerns include the verbal appointment of companies for electrical work without following proper supply chain management processes, resulting in a court case that will cost the municipality approximately R2 million in payments and interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"561\" data-attachment-id=\"270281\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/sol-plaatje-municipal-manager-suspended-amid-financial-misconduct-allegations\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1052,576\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Herbert Miller and Sharon Steyn in the public gallery.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Herbert Miller and Sharon Steyn in the public gallery.  Photo: Charn\u00e9 Kemp&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f-1024x561.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f-1024x561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-270281\" style=\"width:608px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f-1024x561.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f-768x421.jpg 768w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7b738581-317d-4aad-8147-ac2204d8232f.jpg 1052w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Herbert Miller of a community organisation, and Sharon Steyn, CEO of the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) in the public gallery. Photo: Charn\u00e9 Kemp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-concerns-about-process\">Concerns about process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Democratic Alliance (DA) abstained from voting on the suspension, citing concerns about due process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Willie Erasmus, DA councillor, warned that the council had &#8220;failed to take the damning allegations seriously&#8221; by not appointing an investigator before the disciplinary process began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The lack of an investigation has thwarted the disciplinary process, as there was no evidence other than hearsay allegations and media speculation available,&#8221; he stated in a press release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The party expressed concerns about repeating past mistakes, referencing the cases of former municipal manager Goolam Akharwaray and former chief financial officer (CFO) Lydia Mahloko, who continued receiving full salaries for years whilst suspended without being disciplined or charged, costing the municipality millions in duplicate salaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/drie-vermorste-jare-verby-20210816\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kimberley: Drie vermorste jare verby<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-credible-forensic-investigators-needed\">&#8216;Credible forensic investigators needed&#8217;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Community leaders are demanding a proper, independent investigation to restore credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mosikare emphasised that local legal firms with municipal relationships should not handle the investigation, calling instead for independent forensic investigators, potentially involving the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;They need to get credible forensic investigators to do this investigation for their credibility to stand. Because at this point our trust is partially restored in our councillors,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"981\" data-attachment-id=\"269688\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/stadsbestuurder-het-sewe-dae-om-te-se-waarom-hy-nie-geskors-moet-word-nie\/thapelo-matlala-mm-sol-plaatje\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Thapelo-Matlala-MM-Sol-Plaatje.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,2453\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Charne Kemp&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 7D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1706191322&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Charne Kemp&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;135&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Thapelo Matlala MM Sol Plaatje\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Thapelo Matlala  &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Thapelo-Matlala-MM-Sol-Plaatje-1024x981.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Thapelo-Matlala-MM-Sol-Plaatje-1024x981.jpg\" alt=\"Thapelo Matlala\" class=\"wp-image-269688\" style=\"width:309px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Thapelo-Matlala-MM-Sol-Plaatje-1024x981.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Thapelo-Matlala-MM-Sol-Plaatje-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Thapelo-Matlala-MM-Sol-Plaatje-768x736.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thapelo Matlala. Photo: Archive  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>According to municipal regulations, a disciplinary hearing must commence within three months of the suspension, or the suspension will automatically lapse. The council has also committed to implementing several governance improvements, including maintaining a register of all resolutions and monitoring their implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community leaders hope that whoever is appointed in an acting capacity will prioritise community interests, terminate controversial debt collection contracts, and address electricity pricing to make the city more affordable for residents and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The suspension represents a significant moment for Sol Plaatje Municipality, with community leaders cautiously optimistic about the council&#8217;s renewed commitment to accountability whilst opposition parties monitor the process to ensure proper procedures are followed,&#8221; Mosikare says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala was suspended over serious allegations of irregular contract dealings as the municipality battles a financial 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Kemp","background_color":"","block_editor":"1","byline":"","cmplz_hide_cookiebanner":"","competition_end_date":"","contact_advertise_email":"","contact_advertise_phone":"","contact_editorial_email":"","contact_general_email":"","contact_general_phone":"","contact_office_hours":"","contact_physical_address":"","enabled":"","featured_image_custom_caption":"","featured_video_url":"","fields":"","font_body":"","font_header":"","frequency":"","headline":"Sol Plaatje council suspends municipal manager amid financial misconduct allegations","hide_border":"","icon":"","is_wp_suggestion":"","issuu_download_url":"","issuu_embed_url":"","language_version_url":"","large_border":"","name":"nb CK MM 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This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Municipal manager suspended amid allegations of financial issues | Noordkaap Bulletin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala was suspended over serious allegations of irregular contract dealings as the municipality battles a financial crisis.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/sol-plaatje-municipal-manager-suspended-amid-financial-misconduct-allegations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Sol Plaatje municipal manager suspended amid financial misconduct allegations\" \/>\n<meta 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