Picture: The embattled executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe/screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 January 2025- The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West calls for a decisive action to be taken against the embattled executive mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe. SANCO accused Molefe of being corrupt and alleged that, since 2023, media reported serious allegations of corruption and maladministration against him.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said Molefe is accused of extorting money from service providers for personal gain. Jam said according to one of the online media publications, IOL’s sources, Molefe allegedly misused these funds to construct another double-storey house, purchase a BMW for his wife and acquire several other vehicles, including a Toyota Hilux.
“The sources claim that service providers were summoned to secret meetings, where they were coerced into making donations to the mayor. One source noted that he has been meeting with service providers regularly.
“He began by calling private one-on-one meetings in Mmabatho. Molefe’s tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption, maladministration and poor service delivery. Communities in Seweding, Ramosadi, and other villages near Mahikeng have endured dire living conditions, including sewage spills that persisted for months,” he said.
Jam further said this issue was only addressed after a community march and another one led by SANCO, demanded action. He added that, during the SANCO march, Molefe allegedly instructed police to arrest SANCO Regional Secretary, Bennett Masike and other community members who are still going to court.
“The ANC Youth League (ANCYL), recognizing the gravity of the situation, also held a press conference calling for Molefe to relocate his office to Seweding and Ramosadi villages to witness the suffering first-hand.
“Adding to the community’s struggles, the district continues to face water shortages. Allegations suggest that the mayor and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Galaletsang Moroane, diverted funds earmarked for water services to unrelated projects, such as constructing fire stations and paying preferred service providers,” said Jam.
He said the redirection of public funds has left residents shocked, especially given the municipality’s R1.4 billion budget for the 2024/25 financial year. Jam said the reports from senior officials indicate that the CFO bypassed legal processes, paying service providers without notifying the municipal manager, as required by law.
“The controversy deepened in 2025, when a recording surfaced online in which the mayor reportedly admitted to accepting a R300 000, allegedly from a service provider and detailing how he shared the money with other comrades.
“If the audio clip circulating on social media is not proof of Molefe’s corruption allegations, it suggests that the mayor is untouchable and may have leverage over the leadership. In light of these allegations, we demand a forensic investigation into Molefe’s activities, lifestyle audit of the executive mayor and his immediate suspension pending the investigation,” he said.
Jam said SANCO is ready to open criminal cases against those exploiting the poor, but is giving the ANC and government an opportunity to act first. He said should the ANC fail to address the allegations, SANCO will escalate its actions by marching to the ANC Provincial Headquarters in Mahikeng to demand Molefe’s removal.
“SANCO is deeply concerned about the ANC’s silence and lack of accountability regarding these allegations, which have significantly impacted service delivery and the integrity of the liberation movement.
“If the ANC continues to ignore the situation, SANCO will also mobilize communities to shut down the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality until Molefe is removed from public office,” said Jam.
Meanwhile, Molefe said: “This is a sideshow, I am focusing on service delivery. I’ll give you a call, I am still in a meeting.”
The Guardian 