Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Erica Moir and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Nicky van Wyk.
The DA in Mantsopa will submit questions to the Municipality to obtain clarity on the possible delay in the payment of July 2026 salaries and to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and in accordance with municipal policy.
We are deeply concerned by the notice issued by Mantsopa Local Municipality on 20 July 2026 informing employees that the payment of July 2026 salaries may be delayed due to the Municipality’s cash flow constraints.
While the DA acknowledges the financial challenges facing the Municipality, employees should not be left uncertain about whether they will receive their salaries on time. Every employee has financial commitments, including bond repayments, rent, school fees, transport costs and other essential living expenses that depend on receiving their salaries when due.
Equally concerning is whether the proposed delay will apply fairly to every employee. The Municipality must provide clarity on whether all categories of employees will be affected equally, including the Mayor, Councillors where applicable, senior management, directors, managers, administrative staff, general workers, and cleaners.
If some employees receive their salaries on time while others are expected to wait, it would create a perception of unequal treatment and undermine trust within the Municipality. Fairness requires that all employees be treated equally during times of financial hardship.
The DA is further concerned that the Mantsopa Local Municipality Human Resources Policy provides that employees are to be paid on the 25th of each month. Should salaries not be paid on the prescribed date, the Municipality is acting inconsistently with its own Human Resources Policy.
Municipal policies are adopted to provide certainty, consistency and accountability, and they should be adhered to by the Municipality itself.
The Municipality owes both its employees and the public a clear explanation of:
- Whether the possible salary delay will apply equally to every employee without exception?
- Whether the Mayor, Councillors and senior management will also be affected?
- How the Municipality intends to address any inconsistency with its Human Resources Policy should salaries not be paid on the prescribed date?
- What immediate measures are being implemented to restore the Municipality’s financial position and prevent similar situations in future?
Employees deserve honesty, transparency and equal treatment. The DA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will hold the Municipality accountable to ensure that its own policies are applied fairly and consistently to all employees.