Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa faces fresh turbulence in the North West, where ANC councillor disputes have once again paralysed a local municipality.
This time, the Maquassi Hills local municipality is in crisis after speaker Sarah Nkatlo allegedly pushed through senior appointments without proper authority, sparking outrage among councillors and prompting mayor Mzwandile Feliti to call for urgent ministerial intervention.
The Mayor’s Letter
Feliti’s letter to Hlabisa follows a petition signed by the majority of councillorsincluding opposition parties and a section of ANC membersdemanding action against Nkatlo’s conduct.
The councillors accused her of bypassing lawful processes in appointing a chief financial officer (CFO) in March and, more recently, a director of community services.
The 2 April Incident
On 2 April , Nkatlo allegedly bulldozed the appointment of her preferred candidatea manager in her officefor the post of community services director, despite the council majority backing another contender with better qualifications and experience.
The speaker reportedly ignored raised objections, selectively recognising only five ANC councillors who supported her. The restincluding colleagues from the ANC, EFF, DA, FF Plus, Forum for Service Delivery, and the South African Political Associationwere muted and not allowed to speak.
The Warning
Feliti warned that the irregular appointments posed “serious legal implications” and risked wasteful expenditure.
“I therefore respectfully request that your office intervene urgently by issuing directives to stop the implementation of any appointment arising from the disputed council processes, to address the conduct of the speaker and to provide preventive intervention should the situation persist.”
The Background
The controversy began on 23 March when Nkatlo allegedly appointed a CFO despite Feliti’s letter to the municipal manager three days earlier instructing that the process be halted.
Councillors say they were denied the opportunity to debate or vote on the matter, deepening mistrust of the speaker.
The Bottom Line
The mayor has asked the minister to step in. The speaker is accused of bulldozing appointments. The majority of councillors are crying foul.
Maquassi Hills is in crisis. And the clock is ticking.
