The City Report Newspaper has reported that Matlosana Local Municipality was expected to decide the fate of the controversial Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mercy Phetla on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, in another special council sitting.
The sitting came after a special council sitting that took place on Thursday, March 13.
The meeting noted the report of a joint ad hoc committee comprising municipal public accounts committee (MPAC) and audit committee members, which recommended that Phetla face disciplinary steps.
Corruption-accused Phetla is facing serious corruption charges.
It has been alleged that Phetla received a kickback gift of a car worth R1.4 million in exchange for a service delivery tender she gave to the company doing business with the municipality. This bribe was allegedly exchanged for GMHM Construction’s contract.
Phetla was arrested with GMHM directors Matshepiso Mothelesane and Nomthandazo Mokasule.
In a different matter, Phetla, along with her co-accused, Mmatebesi Sekhejane, the store manager, and Tiisetso Sebetlele, the service provider, were arrested by the Hawks in August 2024 and later released on bail.
Sebetlele owns Variegated; the company was allegedly paid R2.9-million by the city. Originally, the deal was to supply electrical material to Matlosana but it was not delivered.
A source working in the finance department confirmed to City Report that some ANC councillors are intentionally blocking efforts to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of Phetla.
Opposition parties in the council proposed that the municipal manager should be empowered to act against Phetla. The proposal was rejected and voted against by ANC councillors.
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Updated: 31 March 2025 Monday
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