The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) supports its affiliate, theSouth African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU)’s stance on the removal of the Matjhabeng Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha in the Free State, as well as the arrest of Morufa Moloto, the Chief Financial Officer of Madibeng Local Municipality in the North West. These are progressive developments which SAMWU and COSATU have been lobbying for due to the instability and volatility these appointments presented to the respective municipalities.

COSATU and SAMWU commend the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State for its decision to remove Cllr Khalipha. During his tenure, the municipality suffered greatly. For the longest time, SAMWU continuously raised the alarm against his conduct which created hostility for workers and filtered through to service delivery for the residents of Matjhabeng. The municipality’s governance further declined under his attitude of superiority and dictatorship.

The appointment of Moloto as the Chief Financial Officer of Madibeng Local Municipality was ill-conceived as she had an undesirable record from her time as Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality where she held the same position. Her integrity was tainted and that should have been a clear indication to not appoint her. Her arrest by the Hawks was in connection with her and her partner’s involvement in a corruption case related to the procurement of laptops at the municipality in 2018. We applaud the law enforcement agencies for acting on this matter.

It is regrettable, however, that the pattern of dubious appointments, especially to key positions is still evident in municipalities. If we are to eradicate the scourge of corruption, Individuals who face charges related to fraud and misconduct should not be entrusted with these positions.

COSATU joins SAMWU in welcoming the permanent dismissal of Khalipha. His tactic of single-handedly appointing his replacement should be condemned with the contempt it deserves.

These recent developments should serve as an indication of the renewed commitment towards the eradication of corruption and the full realisation of the country’s laws to sustain functional municipalities for the benefit of residents while providing a healthy working environment for workers.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson)

Cell: 079 287 5788

Email: zanele@cosatu.org.za