WATCH “MM Must Stop Their Salaries” – Simon Phambane

Staff reporter

Qwaqwa – The disestablishment of Maluti-A-Phofung Water has taken a disturbing turn after a lawyer allegedly advised the Municipal Manager (MM) to withhold employees’ salaries in order to force workers to accept transfers.

Leaked WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Simon Phambane of Simon Phambane Attorneys reveal discussions that suggest interference in labour matters and possible abuse of process.

WATCH

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSm8744rA

In the messages, Phambane first shared a letter sent by Advocate Mzwakhe Mofokeng to SAMWU, captioning it: “This is the letter MM sent SAMWU, we are proceeding with the meeting” at 16:08.

A minute later, a response is reportedly added: “I don’t know what they want to achieve with this.”

The exchange then escalated when he allegedly proposed drastic measures, stating:

“They are wasting our time. MM must just stop their salaries and see whether MAP Water will pay them.”

The wording has raised serious concern, particularly the repeated use of “we”, which suggests close coordination between the municipality and external legal advisers.

WATCH:

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSm8vhXJP

It is further alleged that the municipality has spent R4.8 million through deviations to pay lawyers.

Sources claim Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality has increasingly relied on lawyers and consultants to run core functions, effectively outsourcing governance.

Simon Phambane of Simon Phambane Attorneys could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Despite the heavy legal spending, the municipality continues to lose cases, while criticism mounts over the competence of senior management.

WATCH

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSm8vsRSn

The Municipal Manager, Mzwakhe Mofokeng, an advocate by profession, struggled to interpret basic financial statements.

The Labour Court ruled in favour of SAMWU on 19 January 2026, a judgment this publication will unpack in detail.

Support independent journalism

To help us continue covering stories that matter, please donate as little as R10.

Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703

If you have news or tips, please email news@stepupsanees.co.za or WhatsApp 068 507 6731.