By OBAKENG MAJE
23 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Klerksdorp said it will request the Matlosana Council for an urgent investigation into the recent appointment of security personnel for a sitting councillor, Wesley Kgang. The DA said it demanded that the council determine the motivations behind the alleged illegal and irregular, wasteful expenditure, the total cost implications and whether there were any undue influences or conflict of interest.
The DA caucus leader at the Matlosana Local Municipality, Gerhard Strydom said it seems that the appointment of these personnel was carried out without adherence to established municipal protocols, policies, and procedures. Strydom alleged the appointment of security was made without approval by the council, a formal risk assessment, or compliance with procedure and government regulations.
“Under the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998 (determination of upper limits for members of municipal councils), security may be provided to a councillor subject to a threat and risk analysis conducted by the SAPS, and then only two bodyguards per shift of a two-shift system.
“Kgang is provided with six bodyguards at a cost of R179 000 per month from October 2024, which calculates to R1 253 000 by the end of April 2025, while service delivery to our community is close to non-existent,” he said.
Strydom further said questions raised with the Municipal Manager on this issue were not answered other than to acknowledge that no risk assessment by the SAPS was done. He added that, this is a serious breach of municipal processes.
“Public resources cannot be used at the discretion of unqualified and ignorant individuals. There must be transparency and accountability, especially where taxpayers’ money is involved.
“We demand clarity and assurances that corrective action will be taken and that individuals, who were involved in these illegal actions be held liable for the cost that our taxpayers are expected to pay,” said Strydom.
Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Matlosa Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe said: “Remember this thing has emanated from the City Press article. So, my media statement is very simple that, upon receiving that, I then wrote to the Municipal Manager to further probe and request a full investigation report.
“I wanted to know what had transpired. So, I cannot give you facts now until I receive a full report from the Municipal Manager. Remember the executive mayor is not responsible for administration processes.”
The Guardian 