ActionSA strongly condemns the proposed reinstatement of Matjhabeng Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Thanduxolo Khalipa and reiterates our long-standing call for a full investigation into the municipality’s finances and governance. This decision, despite serious allegations of financial mismanagement and maladministration, would underscore the culture of impunity that continues to undermine service delivery in the Free State.
On 06 November, we released a statement requesting the Office of the Public Protector to probe the allegations against the Mayor such as his alleged lavish lifestyle and housing upgrades.
On 15 November 2023, we wrote to the Auditor-General requesting an investigation into acts of maladministration, fraud and corruption in the municipality. Our statement highlighted the allegations levered against the Mayor. The municipality remains in crisis, with no accountability for the reckless mismanagement that has crippled its ability to function.
On 04 December 2023, we wrote an open letter to former Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, reminding him of the National Council of Provinces letter to him requesting him to immediately intervene by invoking section 139(5) of the Constitution. We explicitly stated that Matjhabeng’s financial woes could be laid squarely at the feet of Cllr Khalipa for it was under his leadership that the municipality was marred by financial maladministration, corruption, mismanagement drawing it closer to a complete shut-down of all basic services.
The concerns raised by COSATU further highlight the severity of the situation. The union has correctly pointed out that Matjhabeng’s financial collapse has left workers unpaid, services in disarray, and residents abandoned. Instead of addressing these concerns, the ANC is once again prioritising internal political interests over the needs of the people.
ActionSA will not allow this reckless governance to continue unchallenged. We will continue to push for a full forensic investigation into Matjhabeng’s finances and explore legal avenues to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The reinstatement of failed leadership cannot be allowed to stand.
We call on the provincial government to take decisive action and put the interests of Matjhabeng’s residents first. The people deserve a municipality that serves them, not one that protects those responsible for its downfall.
ActionSA remains committed to restoring accountability, good governance, and service delivery in Matjhabeng.
ActionSA Rejects Proposed Reinstatement of Matjhabeng Mayor and Demands Accountability
ActionSA strongly condemns the proposed reinstatement of Matjhabeng Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Thanduxolo Khalipa and reiterates our long-standing call for a full investigation into the municipality’s finances and governance. This decision, despite serious allegations of financial mismanagement and maladministration, would underscore the culture of impunity that continues to undermine service delivery in the Free State.
On 06 November, we released a statement requesting the Office of the Public Protector to probe the allegations against the Mayor such as his alleged lavish lifestyle and housing upgrades.
On 15 November 2023, we wrote to the Auditor-General requesting an investigation into acts of maladministration, fraud and corruption in the municipality. Our statement highlighted the allegations levered against the Mayor. The municipality remains in crisis, with no accountability for the reckless mismanagement that has crippled its ability to function.
On 04 December 2023, we wrote an open letter to former Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, reminding him of the National Council of Provinces letter to him requesting him to immediately intervene by invoking section 139(5) of the Constitution. We explicitly stated that Matjhabeng’s financial woes could be laid squarely at the feet of Cllr Khalipa for it was under his leadership that the municipality was marred by financial maladministration, corruption, mismanagement drawing it closer to a complete shut-down of all basic services.
The concerns raised by COSATU further highlight the severity of the situation. The union has correctly pointed out that Matjhabeng’s financial collapse has left workers unpaid, services in disarray, and residents abandoned. Instead of addressing these concerns, the ANC is once again prioritising internal political interests over the needs of the people.
ActionSA will not allow this reckless governance to continue unchallenged. We will continue to push for a full forensic investigation into Matjhabeng’s finances and explore legal avenues to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The reinstatement of failed leadership cannot be allowed to stand.
We call on the provincial government to take decisive action and put the interests of Matjhabeng’s residents first. The people deserve a municipality that serves them, not one that protects those responsible for its downfall.
ActionSA remains committed to restoring accountability, good governance, and service delivery in Matjhabeng.