Picture: Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
19 October 2026 – The Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality said it wishes to clarify misleading information circulating in the public domain alleging that the municipality acted in Contravention of the Moratorium imposed by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi on 24 August 2026. The municipality said it wishes to place on record that it did not disregard Molapisi’s directive, but followed the exemption process expressly provided for in the moratorium.
The municipality spokesperson, Mosimanegape Khumalo said the Clause 3.2 of the moratorium makes provision for municipalities to apply for exemptions through written motivation to the MEC, while Clause 4.3 requires written approval from the MEC before an appointment process may commence. Khumalo said in a statement that, in compliance with these provisions, the municipality formally submitted a motivated request to the MEC seeking exemption to proceed with the recruitment of identified senior management positions.
“Following consideration of the municipality’s motivation, the MEC granted written exemption on 3 September 2026, authorising the filling of the senior management positions such as Director for Local Economic Development (LED), Tourism and Agriculture, Director for Good Governance and Public Participation, Director for Infrastructure and Technical Services, including position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
“The Municipality therefore wishes to emphasise that the continuation of the recruitment process in respect of the approved positions was not undertaken in defiance of the moratorium, but pursuant to written authorisation granted by MEC.
“The Municipality finds it regrettable that information is being circulated without acknowledging these material facts, thereby creating an inaccurate impression of deliberate non-compliance. Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality remains committed to lawful administration, transparency, accountability and strengthening institutional capacity to improve service delivery,” he said.
Khumalo further said the municipality appeals to members of the public to rely on verified information and official documentation rather than misleading assertions.
