Madibeng Boss Quiet Kgatla Returns to Work After Court Rules Suspension Unlawful

Suspended Madibeng municipal manager Quiet Kgatla has won his legal battle against the council that sidelined him. The Pretoria High Court has declared his suspension unlawful and has ordered his immediate reinstatement, dealing a blow to both local and ANC regional leadership efforts to discipline him.

Court victory: Suspension declared invalid

On Thursday, the court ruled that Kgatla’s precautionary suspension had lapsed in accordance with disciplinary regulations for senior municipal managers. It further barred the Madibeng council and its leadership from pursuing disciplinary action against him.

“The council is instructed to allow Mr. Kgatla to resume his duties with immediate effect,” the ruling stated.

The court also granted an interdict stopping the municipality from continuing with a disciplinary hearing scheduled for the same day.

The allegations: A R11 million emergency contract

Kgatla was suspended earlier this year following accusations of financial misconduct. He allegedly appointed a contractor for a R11 million electrification project in Damonsville, near Brits, without following due tender processes.

The appointment was reportedly made as an emergency measure in response to violent community protests on January 29, when Damonsville residents demanded the electrification they had been promised.

The ANC Bojanala Regional Executive Committee (REC) had instructed the municipality to suspend Kgatla pending an independent investigation. This decision was later endorsed by the ANC North West PEC and national deployees including Faith Muthambi and Mdu Manana.

However, the Madibeng council, led by Mayor Douglas Maimane and Speaker Ditshego Mbezi — resisted the move, refusing to implement the suspension, citing legal and procedural concerns.

Council infighting and collapsed meetings

Attempts to formalise disciplinary proceedings in council were repeatedly thwarted when councillors failed to show up, collapsing meetings due to lack of quorum. This political impasse contributed to Kgatla’s decision to take legal action.

Kgatla denies wrongdoing

Throughout the ordeal, Kgatla maintained his innocence. He said the whistle-blower behind the accusations lacked both “documentary proof” and “substantive knowledge” of the situation.

“I acted in good faith to avoid further unrest in Damonsville. The people demanded service delivery, and we had to act,” he said.

What’s next for Madibeng?

While the court victory reinstates Kgatla to his role, the larger political power struggle in Madibeng Municipality remains unresolved. The ruling could deepen divisions within the ANC’s regional and provincial structures, especially as municipal stability and service delivery remain key concerns in the North West province.

The municipality has yet to confirm whether it will appeal the court’s decision or accept the reinstatement. For now, Quiet Kgatla is back at his desk and the political drama is far from over.