Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The City of Matlosana has been stripped of its executive powers by the North West Provincial Treasury. This is part of a mandatory provincial intervention after the city’s financial recovery plan failed dismally. The removal of the former mayor as well as the suspension of the MM and CFO were also not conducive in getting the municipality out of trouble. North West Finance MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi said in a letter to SALGA signed on September 27 that drastic measure was needed.
The Provincial Treasury has invoked Sections 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution, together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, empowering provincial governments to intervene when a municipality cannot meet its financial obligations, provide basic services, or is in material breach of its responsibilities due to a financial crisis.
Matlosana’s municipal manager and chief financial officer have both been suspended amid allegations of corruption.
DA Cllr Johannes Le Grange said the intervention was expected, given ongoing issues. He’s concerned about the effectiveness of appointing an administrator without appropriate support.
“We aren’t surprised by this decision. The financial situation is dreadful.”
But he’s concerned one administrator won’t be enough to replace the entire management. “The administrator would need strong support from multiple departments, including manpower, legal, and HR, to truly stamp their authority. “Without that, the intervention might not succeed, as we’ve seen in past attempts.”
Matlosana Municipality did not issue a statement on the decision of the provincial treasury.
