PREMIER CONTINUES WITH SUSPECT CADRE DEPLOYMENT POLICY

The Democratic Alliance in the North West Province expressed its shock and outrage about the appointment of the former (and dismissed) Mangaung City Manager Mojalefa Matlole as the Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality administrator (see article).

The North West Premier, Maureen Modiselle, in her State of the Province address, promised strong and dedicated action against fraudulent and corrupt institutions of governance. Her first opportunity to implement these promises has failed miserably. Not only was she seriously impeded by the (now disbanded) North West ANC's Provincial Executive after she announced the Section 139 (1) (b) intervention into the Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality, but the announcement of the appointment of the administrator indicated that nothing will come of promises to act against fraud and corrupt practices.

Mojalefa Matlole was not only suspended and dismissed as the Mangaung City Manager but was also investigated by the Scorpions and may be facing criminal charges arising out of his tenure as City Manager.

It is in these circumstances outrageous to appoint Matlole to administer a municipality riddled with fraud, corruption, maladministration and the misappropriation of funds.

It appears that the North West Premier is simply continuing with exactly the same ANC cadre deployment policies which resulted in the cesspool in which NW municipalities found themselves in.

The DA also noted with dismay that the Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality Executive Mayor, Temba Gwabeni , is once again threatening the North West Premier - this time about the appointment of Matlole. Although the appointment is patently flawed Gwabeni has lost all his executive authority after the implementation of the Section 139 (1) (b) intervention into the Ngaka Modiri Molema Municipality and decisions taken by him on behalf of the municipality is not only null and void but also illegal and he may be held personal liable for any expenses incurred as a result of his illegal actions. Gwabeni should do well to refrain from interfering in the intervention into this municipality - which in fact happened as a direct result of his poor and suspect leadership. 

The DA called on the Premier to rescind the appointment of Matlole and to act responsible and carefully in the appointment of key personnel specifically those that will be entrusted to eradicate fraud and corruption and to turn-around failing North West Municipalities.

Statement issued by Chris Hattingh MPL, leader of the Democratic Alliance North West, July 28 2009

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