The DA will write to the MEC for COGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, to stop the appointment of the acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Fortunate Sekgobela, following the resignation of the incumbent, Thembisile Mathabatha.
During a special council meeting yesterday, the DA objected to the appointment of the acting CFO.
Ms. Sekgobela’s appointment is mired in controversy; not only does she not hold the minimum qualifications for the position of CFO, but she is also facing charges of alleged fraud and she was implicated by the investigation into the municipality’s unauthorized, irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure in the 2020/21 financial year.
The municipality already lost 2 CFO’s this year due to resignations.
The council even waivered legal provisions in August 2022 to increase the incumbent’s salary to R 1 022 226 instead of the R990 233 budgeted for.
It is appalling that such a small municipality, with a questionable service delivery record, can pay such out of range salaries and over rely on consultants to compile annual financial statements.
Council resolved to appoint the acting CFO for a period not exceeding three months commencing on 1 December 2022, but with Ms. Sekgobela’s dubious track record, the financial health of Maruleng Local Municipality will most certainly be compromised.
The DA will call on MEC Makamu to put a stop to this tomfoolery and expedite the appointment of a qualified and experienced CFO who will serve the interests of the Maruleng community. They deserve better.
