By OBAKENG MAJE
30 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said they will continue to take decisive action to confront corruption, fraud and poor governance entrenched in various municipalities across the province.
Molapisi said in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), and in his capacity as the MEC responsible for Local Government, he has authorised investigations into serious allegations of maladministration, fraud, corruption and other irregularities in the Greater Taung, City of Matlosana and Madibeng Local Municipalities.
“In the case of Greater Taung Local Municipality, the investigation was triggered by persistent instability within the municipal council, which rendered it incapable of discharging its statutory responsibilities. The investigation is completed and remedial actions have been instituted against those councillors who have been implicated.
“We can confirm that the municipality is now stable and is able to execute its executive obligations. In the City of Matlosana, the investigation followed irregularities within governance and administrative structures,” he said.
Molapisi further said the investigation was completed at the end of 2024/2025 financial year. He added that the report will soon be communicated to the council and the findings implemented.
“On 15 July 2025 – we invoked Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to investigate allegations of maladministration and malfeasance in Madibeng Local Municipality.
“I met with the council to introduce the appointed law firm which will conduct the investigations. During the meeting, councillors have thrown their weight behind the investigations,” said Molapisi.
He said the findings will be finalized within three months and shared with all stakeholders for action. Molapisi said the investigation is part of a broader drive to restore ethical governance, rebuild public confidence and ensure that municipalities truly serve the people.
“EXCO has also resolved to invoke Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution in Mamusa and Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipalities. The decision has been communicated to both municipalities and is therefore expected to implement the directives and submit monthly reports to the department.
On 13 December 2023, 26 municipal councillors in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, allegedly convened a special council sitting in the absence of municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai and municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane, where they elected Lerato Babuseng as the new Chief Whip, Kealeboga Seboko as the new municipal speaker and Onkarabile Tong as the new mayor.
The latter accused the former of widespread corruption and maladministration. They alleged that this has affected the smooth running of the municipality and forced Moipolai to request intervention from the then North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi.
Meanwhile, the Action SA councillor, Mika Moeti said he is not aware of the report and he cannot comment.
The Guardian 