Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Stone Makhema and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Louis van Heerden.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Fezile Dabi will closely follow each stage of the disciplinary process against the District Municipal Manager, issue regular public updates, and review all findings to ensure accountability and transparency in the municipality.
The council took this decision at a special meeting on 30 March 2026, following an investigation into allegations that the municipal manager had advertised positions despite a moratorium in place due to an already high salary bill.
The moratorium was intended to control spending, in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act, and required that a job evaluation process be completed and approved by council before any positions could be advertised.
Ignoring this process has cost the municipality thousands of rands that could have been directed to critical service delivery initiatives at a time when revenue is limited, and the municipality is exploring alternative income sources.
After considering an investigation report, the council decided to take the matter further and test the serious allegations made by the municipal manager. An independent external presiding officer and an officer to lead the evidence will be appointed to deal with the matter in a formal disciplinary sitting.
The unauthorised advertising of vacancies has cost the municipality thousands of rands, funds that could have been used to drive service delivery initiatives within the district. It came at a time when the institution had limited revenue and was exploring various options to generate income.
Due to the serious nature of the alleged offence, the council has also directed the mayor to write to the municipal manager, requesting that he make representations within 7 days on why he should not be suspended.
The DA will keep an eye on the process unfolding. The residents of Fezile Dabi deserve good governance, accountability and transparency. The rule of law must exist.