Picture: The Phokwane Local Municipality
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 January 2026- Former Municipal Manager of Phokwane Local Municipality, Advocate Matshidiso Cordelia (53), was found guilty for fraud by the Kimberley Serious Commercial Crimes Court. Cordelia was found guilty on charges of fraud and Contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2023.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said during 2018, Cordelia while serving as the Municipal Manager of Phokwane Local Municipality, she issued instructions to the Municipal Payroll Accountant for payment of car and travel allowance to 13 employees without following the applicable procedures. Thebe said Cordelia disregarded the moratorium of the municipal council that was in place at that time with her unlawful instruction.
“In addition, she unlawfully increased her remuneration package and implemented a 4% rural allowance without informing council or obtaining authorization from the Northern Cape MEC of COGSTA as required.
“All increases were backdated to July 2017, resulting in the municipality suffering substantial losses. The matter is postponed to 8 April 2026, for pre- sentencing report and sentencing,” he said.
The Guardian 