Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – If you thought the recent visit to Free State by Dr Zweli Mkhize, chairperson of COGTA portfolio committee and what happened in the meetings is shocking, grab a chair.
On the 24 July 2025, Maluti-A-Phofung local municipality appeared before the committee and former ANC Treasurer General and Health minister asked Advocate Motsoahae Mofokeng, Municipal Manager at the troubled municipality about bonuses to which he confidently said no bonuses were paid “as people were not performing” in the municipality.
The confidence disappeared like a fart when Mkhize asked Mofokeng politely to turn around and check the screen (overhead projector), after than he could not utter a word but rather ask the Nrateng Khumalo, budge manager to respond and she also failed to respond satisfactory.
What became clear is both Mofokeng and Khumalo could not read the financial statement of the municipality they are running.
Important to note, Mofokeng has been a Municipal Manager at MAP local municipality since November 2024, there is no way he can hide behind I am new here. He is the accounting officer.
It was Malekula Melato, Executive Mayor of MAP who said Mofokeng was the most competent candidate but after that performance….. Melato is also fingered in the Public Protector report.
Prior to his appointment at MAP he was acting MM at Moqhaka Municipality.
According to Internal Question Paper in our possession, MAP council has resolved to pay Mofokeng maximum salary level, a proposal that was initiated by Melato, Executive Mayor is now awaiting the Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa for approval.
How the council resolved to this is still is explained an insider as Mofokeng is “deserving”, the municipality did the same with former MM and CFO only for the court to declare such unlawful and ordered by a judge to recover monies paid to former Municipal Manager and CFO after over paying them.
MAP is category 4 municipality but the council decided to pay Muthamaha, former MM and Mazinyo, former CFO as if the municipality was level 6.
Instead of paying Municipal Manager, R1 129. 229 (entry level of category 4) as required, the municipality paid R1 987 402.00 (maximum of category 6)
Instead of paying CFO, R932.548 (entry level of category 4) as required, the municipality paid R1 596 747.00 (maximum of category 6)
Fortunately, for all intends and purposes, Judge Opperman ruled in favor of Mxolisi Dukwana, former MEC for COGTA and declared the appointments and the salaries unlawful.
An insider at MAP said Mofokeng deserves the maximum as council resolved due to his experience and geographical local of the municipality.
“Compelling Reasons for Maximum Notch Award to Municipal Manager Adv Mofokeng
The council’s decision to award Municipal Manager Adv Mofokeng a maximum notch is justified due to the following reasons:
- Vast Geographical Location: The municipality’s extensive geographical area poses significant challenges in terms of service delivery, infrastructure development, and personnel management.
- Rural Setup: The predominantly rural setup of the municipality makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified officials, given the limited access to amenities and resources.
- Difficulty in Attracting Qualified Officials: The municipality faces stiff competition from urban municipalities, making it challenging to attract and retain top talent.
- Exceptional Performance: Adv Mofokeng has demonstrated exceptional leadership and management skills, navigating the challenges of the municipality’s geography and setup.
- Strategic Leadership: The maximum notch award recognizes Adv Mofokeng’s strategic leadership and ability to drive the municipality’s vision and goals.
An application for a waiver has been lodged with the Minister, and we are awaiting approval.”
Whatever action Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements does, will give a clear indication if he is going to address all challenges municipalities are facing otherwise the ANC will be opposition in municipalities next year.
This is a developing story.
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