The DA in Polokwane will write to the Auditor-General to flag the 212 special leave days with full pay that was granted to Ms. Cecilia Molokwane during the period 1 January 2019 to 4 March 2023.
A report, confirming these details, was presented during a council sitting on 28 July following written questions by the DA.
Ms. Molokwane is a full-time Assistant Manager in the Sport and Recreation department of the Polokwane Local Municipality, the President of Netball South Africa, Board Member of Netball World Cup 2023 and President of Netball Africa.
Since 4 January 2019 to 4 March 2023, council approved 212 special leave days with full pay for Ms. Molokwane; 118 days were utilised in 2019, 18 days in 2020, 56 days in 2021, 10 days in 2022, and 10 days in 2023.
Council further granted approval for special leave with full pay from 28 July until 6 August 2023, accounting for another six days in 2023. In addition to her municipal salary and benefits, Ms. Molokwane receives a monthly allowance of R23 247.21 from Netball South Africa.
The collective agreement on Conditions of Service for the Limpopo division of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) stipulates that special leave with full pay for ad hoc instances to partake in a bona fide sports activity at provincial and higher levels, will not exceed 3 working days.
The ANC majority council’s disdain for the abovementioned agreement is clear.
It is also of concern that the municipality does not appoint an official in an acting capacity when Ms. Molokwane is absent from her duties.
We will further request the SALGABC to investigate and keep Ms. Molokwane financially liable for all funds she irregularly received.
It is clear that the ruling party treats some officials more equal than others; something the DA will not tolerate.