The Mopani district municipality in Limpopo province has dismissed its chief financial officer (CFO), Sibongile Mathebula, following allegations of gross negligence in supply chain management. The decision, finalized on Tuesday, concludes a disciplinary process that began in December 2024, marking a significant development in the ongoing effort to address corruption within South African local government. The dismissal centers around a R5.6 million tender awarded to Ximatsatsa Investment Pty Ltd for water-related parts over a 36-month period, a deal flagged as irregular by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA).
The allegations against Mathebula involve a failure to adhere to proper procurement procedures. An anonymous source within the municipality revealed that a panel of contractors for the district was appointed in 2023, prior to the registration of Ximatsatsa Investment Pty Ltd. This timing raised immediate concerns, which were subsequently confirmed by an audit conducted by the AGSA a year later. The audit highlighted the irregularity, prompting the municipal council to place Mathebula on precautionary suspension with pay in December 2024. The matter then proceeded through legal challenges before the council reached its final decision to terminate her employment.
Water Infrastructure and Previous Allegations
The case extends beyond the immediate tender dispute, raising questions about Mathebula’s prior role at the Lepelle Northern Water Agency. She previously served as CFO for Lepelle, a state-owned water utility responsible for bulk water infrastructure in Limpopo. Reports suggest she left that position amid allegations of corruption related to tender awards, with questions surrounding approximately R1 billion. Despite these concerns, the Mopani district municipality hired Mathebula to oversee its more than R2 billion annual budget, a decision now under scrutiny.
Mathebula acknowledged the charges against her, confirming she underwent a disciplinary hearing but declined to provide further comment. “My legal team is still processing the verdict and the charges. They will advise accordingly thereafter about the wayforward,” she stated when contacted.
Political Response and Calls for Accountability
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Mopani district municipality has welcomed Mathebula’s dismissal, characterizing it as a step in the right direction. DA councillor Mahlatswa Lebbeus Ramalepe has called on the executive mayor, Pule Shayi, to expedite the recruitment of a qualified replacement. Ramalepe also urged the municipal manager, Tshepo Mogano, to implement consequence management for other officials implicated in the alleged misappropriation of funds within the finance and supply chain management directorates, and to present a report on the matter to the council.
The dismissal comes amid growing national concern over corruption in local government. President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address last week, warned that corruption is negatively impacting service delivery across the country. According to the Institute for Security Studies, corruption in municipalities is often systemic, resembling organized crime, and characterized by collusion, tender fraud, nepotism, and inflated pricing. This corruption is estimated to result in financial losses of roughly R32 billion annually, hindering infrastructure development and economic growth.
Broader Context of Municipal Corruption
The situation in Mopani is not isolated. Recent reports highlight similar issues in other municipalities. For example, the Metsimaholo municipality is facing accusations of R900 million in wasteful expenditure, as reported earlier this month. Metsimaholo accused of R900M wasteful expenditure
The ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving ANC official Pule Mabe also underscores the challenges facing South Africa in combating financial misconduct within its political structures. Pule Mabe pushes to have corruption charges dropped after failed bid, challenges SIU probe
The Mopani district municipality’s decision to dismiss Sibongile Mathebula represents a significant, though isolated, victory in the fight against corruption. The focus now shifts to the appointment of a novel CFO and the implementation of measures to prevent similar irregularities in the future. The council is expected to address the matter of consequence management for implicated officials in an upcoming meeting, the date of which has not yet been announced.
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