Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Gerhard Strydom
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana has successfully halted attempts by a faction within the ANC-led municipality to delay and interfere with the lawful dismissal of the corruption-accused Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla.
A Council meeting was convened on 22 January 2026 to note and implement the outcome of a disciplinary hearing against the CFO. Regulations governing disciplinary processes for senior managers are clear: Council has no authority to interfere with the process and is legally obliged to implement the outcome of such hearings.
Despite this, a faction within the ANC attempted to shield the CFO from accountability. Led by the Single Whip of Council, Cllr Rose Thabanchu, and the Speaker, Cllr Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya, this group argued that Council had not approved certain charges, conveniently echoing the same arguments raised by the CFO herself.
This claim is legally irrelevant and amounted to an attempt to turn Council into an unlawful appeal body. They further demanded that the Presiding Officer appear before Council to explain the outcome. The DA made it clear during the meeting that Council has no role in disciplinary adjudication and cannot override a lawful process.
Instead of allowing proper procedure, the Speaker abruptly and unlawfully closed the meeting while two proposals were still on the table. Thereafter, she contacted the Presiding Officer and attempted to compel him to report to Council. He refused, correctly stating that Council has no jurisdiction in the matter.
As a result, and in line with the law, the Municipal Manager issued a termination letter to the CFO on 23 January 2026.
This episode exposes a troubling reality: a faction within the ANC is prepared to undermine justice, accountability, and due process to protect those accused of fraud and corruption.
The DA in Matlosana has, since 2024, consistently pushed for disciplinary action against the CFO. These efforts were repeatedly frustrated by ANC stalling tactics, to the extent that the CFO’s suspension had to be lifted due to non-compliance with legal timeframes, a failure for which the Speaker was formally reprimanded.
The DA will not allow Matlosana to be captured by corruption and political protection rackets. We will continue to fight relentlessly against the abuse of public office and to defend lawful, transparent governance in the interests of residents.