The Mopani district municipality in Limpopo has terminated the employment of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sibongile Mathebula, following allegations of gross negligence in supply chain management. The decision, made by the municipal council on Tuesday, concludes a disciplinary process that began in December 2024.
Water Links
The charges against Mathebula centered on gross negligence related to the awarding of a R5.6 million, 36-month tender to Ximatsatsa Investment Pty Ltd for water-related parts. An anonymous source within the municipality claimed a panel of contractors was appointed in 2023, prior to the company’s registration.
Following the Auditor General’s findings, Mathebula was placed on precautionary suspension with pay. The matter was then subject to legal challenges before the council reached its final decision to dismiss her. Mathebula confirmed she was aware of the charges and undergoing a disciplinary hearing, but declined to comment further, stating her legal team was processing the verdict.
Mathebula previously served as CFO for the Lepelle Northern Water Agency, where she reportedly left under scrutiny related to allegations of corruption in the tender award process. Despite these prior concerns, the Mopani district municipality hired her to manage its more than R2 billion annual budget.
Calls for Accountability
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Mopani district municipality welcomed the dismissal, calling it a step in the right direction. DA councillor Mahlatswa Lebbeus Ramalepe urged Executive Mayor Pule Shayi to initiate recruiting a suitably qualified CFO and Municipal Manager Tshepo Mogano to implement consequence management for implicated officials.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently warned that corruption in local government negatively impacts service delivery. According to the Institute for Security Studies, municipal corruption is often systemic, involving collusion, tender fraud, and resulting in financial losses of roughly R32 billion annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the key charges against Sibongile Mathebula?
The key charges against Mathebula were gross negligence relating to the appointment of Ximatsatsa Investment Pty Ltd and irregularities in the tender process.
When was Sibongile Mathebula suspended?
Mathebula was placed on precautionary suspension with pay in December 2024.
What is the DA calling for following Mathebula’s dismissal?
The DA is calling for the speedy recruitment of a new CFO and the implementation of consequence management for implicated officials within the finance and supply chain management directorates.
What steps must municipalities take to prevent similar instances of financial misconduct in the future?
