The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Fetakgomo/ Tubatse Local Municipality(FTLM) calls on the MEC for COGHSTA, Masikopo Makamu, to intervene without delay into the irregular and unlawful appointment of the Acting Municipal Manager, Mavis Magowa.
Contrary to The Municipal Systems Act, Ms. Magowa, the Director of Community Services, has been the acting municipal manager since October 2024 without concurrence by MEC Makamu, rendering all her actions unlawful and irregular, including her acting allowances, which must be paid back to the municipality.
Ms. Magowa’s dubious appointment followed the unlawful suspension and subsequent dismissal of the Municipal Manager, Joel Makgatha, by council; a process itself marred by mulish litigation and 5 judgements against the municipality.
The DA is concerned that the Acting municipal manager appointed law firms without following procurement processes, signing debt security without council resolution and her inability/ unwillingness to advise council as per Sections 60 and 70 of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
The appointment of the acting municipal manager and the potential litigation which can arise from this decision will compound the already precarious position of the FTLM.
Political interference, questionable council decisions and a disregard for the rule of law are undermining the financial integrity and service delivery within the municipality.
The DA call on MEC Makamu to place Fetakgomo -Tubatse municipality under administration to prevent further irregularities and unlawful actions which undermines the institution to provide service delivery to residents.