Blatant corruption, fraud, and underhand dealings amongst politicians in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality are causing serious waves of discontent amongst opposition parties and the citizens of Matjhabeng.
The recent allegations against Mojalefa Buti, member of the mayoral committee (MMC), have evoked a strong and vehement public outcry and political opposition.
Manie Pretorius, FF Plus councillor in Matjhabeng, says they have written to Adv. Louretta van Wyk, acting municipal manager of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, demanding answers about the increasing allegations of tender fraud in this municipality.
“A formal investigation into all tenders is essential to determine whether they were awarded on merit and qualifications, and who was involved in the decision-making process,” he says.
Pretorius says the latest allegation is that Buti awarded a R15 million tender for a solar farm to his own company.
“It was also recently reported that one Katiso Molefe was allegedly awarded a R390 billion airport contract in 2023 with a company that was registered just after the advertisement. Molefe is a controversial Sandton businessman who is implicated in several criminal cases and is well known in ANC circles,” says Pretorius.
Pretorius bemoans Matjhabeng’s fate and the rapidly deteriorating state of the municipality.
“Matjhabeng was placed under administration in February due to persistent financial mismanagement and the collapse of service delivery. Already in 2021, the official mayoral chain worth R20 million disappeared without a trace, with no return four years later.
“The mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, was also found guilty of assault and crimen injuria, following an incident during a community meeting in which he assaulted and humiliated his manager and bodyguard.”
Thomas Macungwane, EFF councillor, says they condemn the corrupt ANC MMC for Local Economic Development (LED).
“We are outraged and disappointed with the allegations of Buti having unduly awarded a contract to his own company. He misconstrued the purpose of the LED department, whose aim is to facilitate a partnership between private and public sectors to forge a way to improve our people’s lives. The allegations undermine the public’s trust in our local government and highlight the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
“We demand a thorough investigation into these allegations, taking into account that a criminal case was opened against the same MMC. It is only fair that the executive mayor institutes disciplinary processes against him, and the speaker needs to swiftly implement the code of conduct as outlined in the Municipal Systems Act.”
Macungwane demands Buti’s immediate suspension pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that this councillor holds a strategic position that could directly interfere with the investigation. To ensure that there will be transparency and that this process will be credible, we will demand the establishment of an ad hoc committee comprised of all relevant stakeholders and political parties in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. We will ensure a thorough investigation into the young man who is a whistleblower, and will receive both state protection and community sympathy,” he says.
Piet Botha of the DA concurs that allegations of tender fraud need to be urgently investigated. The DA also questions Buti’s involvement in alleged fraud and the misuse of his position, and his wife’s involvement in the alleged tender fraud. As to the airport, Botha says this is a complicated legal matter that involves many ANC politicians, and apparently even three ministers.
■ The Matjhabeng Municipality did not respond to a media enquiry by the time of going to press.
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