Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – While many may argue, rightfully or wrongfully, that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is proving that things can be done and achieved, it also shows and exposes the ANC what it truly is.
The state of municipalities were laid bare for everyone to see last week during the SCOPA visit but this is nothing new.
This follows Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) report that found over R4.2 billion in unauthorised expenditure, repeated disclaimer audit opinion, and failure to submit financial statements.
Despite these, consequence management remain a dream.
Last year, South Aftican Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) scored Free State Municipalities zero on service delivery.
In 2022, retired Lt-General, Godfrey Lebeya, former Hawks head reported at least 44 cases of corruption and fraud were under investigation across all 16 municipalities in Free State.
Matjhabeng Local Municipality and Maloti-A-Phofung were in the forefront.
The Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) is the last place for municipalities can look up to for intervention.
In May, this year, Judge Van Rhyn found Matjhabeng Local Municipality incapable of running its affairs and ordered provincial government t to intervene.
On Thursday it became clear the intervention can not be provided as EPWP heist was laid bare for everyone to see.
It only took Minister of Public Works hours to suspend the EPWP grant to the troubled municipality.
In June , just like Matjhabeng, Judge Daffue found Ngwathe Local Municipality is failing in its constitutional obligations and ordered provincial government to intervene.
The blame on state of municipalities and Free State Provincial should be put right at the door of the ruling party and Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier.
Mathae’s tenure is not only questionable but it’s also surrounded by controversy.
According to Free State Provincial Government website, Mathae who has a matric from Mariasdal Secondary School, is hands-on leader.
“In this role, she continues to exemplify transformative leadership rooted in resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication to the people of the Free State. She leads with a hands-on approach, ensuring that policies translate into real benefits for citizens.”
She is awaiting a decision by Advocate Navilla Sobaru, Head of NPA to decide her fate on corruption allegations and according to insiders, a docket is expected to be returned to NPA from Hawks by Thursday, 31 July 2025.
These allegations did not come as a surprise, hardly two months after being appointed as MEC in April 2023, Mathae summoned contractors and threatened them with termination if they don’t plough back.
If you think the AG report on municipalities is damning, wait till you read about departments.
This is a developing story.
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Evening,please invistigate Universitas academic hospital,there is a lot of tenders that are issued to incompetent contractors which compromise the health and safety of employees and the patient eg Non working lift where our patients and our old people have to use stairs from lower ground to 10th floor,it is months and months patient are bathing with cold water.
Unfortunately the Free State has become a cesspit of corruption, filled with maladministration , lies and deceit . Thanks to the ANC.
Nothing will ever be right the potholes are just been patched after a month patch is removed by rain Drains are running I think if we can try another party The only thing manucipality is just targeting those communities who are paying services to raid money from them . All roads of South Africa are the dongas
Thanks for informing the public about the state of affairs in the Free State.
The problem is actually the Voters. They keep on voting corrupt ANC people into power that receive no punishment for bad governance. Anc is Rotten from it’s Head.
It’s the hole Free State that’s in state. Kopanong municipal worse. The Mayor and Speaker must also be investigated by SIU.
I can believe that Freestate corruption it is free for all to the ANC councilors, you go and check the roads in Marquardt and the one to Clocolan the way they are. It is a shame to the South African voters who will keep on flogging a dead horse in ANC.