Staff Reporter
BLOEMFONTEIN – Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, is facing mounting scrutiny after the Select Committee on COGTA and Public Service recommended that he rescind his decision to dissolve the Ngwathe Local Municipality Council.
The recommendation marks a significant setback for Mokoena, whose decision to dissolve the council has been challenged as irregular and unlawful.
The Select Committee, chaired by Mxolisi Kaunda, threw its weight behind fellow committee member Dr Igor Scheurkogel, who had previously questioned the legality of the dissolution.
During a virtual meeting held on 5 August 2026, the committee considered the circumstances surrounding the dissolution and recommended that Mokoena reverse his decision.
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But it was Honourable Makeseni who appeared to turn up the heat, questioning whether Mokoena should personally carry the financial consequences of what has become a costly political and administrative mess at Ngwathe.
This is what the Judge ordered and in this order but someone felt he can jump A to B:
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The committee’s position could now place Mokoena under increased pressure to account for the decision and its consequences.
A MEC already under scrutiny
The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of previous questions surrounding Mokoena’s conduct as MEC.
Mokoena has previously come under scrutiny over the termination of a contractor’s services, despite claims that the responsibility fell within the authority of the municipality’s Accounting Officer.
Questions were also raised over expenditure relating to a trip to Egypt, reportedly undertaken despite advice from departmental officials.
Despite these controversies, Mokoena has remained in office, because Joyce dances to his tune, however he has finally met his match.
The latest development, however, could prove more difficult to brush aside.
The Select Committee’s recommendation places the MEC in the uncomfortable position of having to reconsider a decision that has already generated significant political and administrative controversy.
For those who have questioned the legality of the Ngwathe dissolution from the outset, the committee’s position will be seen as a vindication.
And for Mokoena, the political storm may only be gathering and this is where we agree with LG Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT.
StepUp SA News will continue following the developments around Ngwathe and the Select Committee’s recommendation as the matter unfolds.
This is a developing story, and we will be waiting when that ostrich egg breaks on his face
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