The Democratic Alliance (DA) Sol Plaatje Caucus has requested an urgent Special Council Meeting to afford all councillors the opportunity to interrogate the recommendation and subsequent appointment of convicted fraudster, Busisiwe Mgaguli, as the Acting Municipal Manager (MM).
According to a media statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in March this year, Mgaguli pleaded guilty to fraud charges and submitted a plea explanation in terms of section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1997. This is in relation to her submitting false travelling and subsistence allowance claims to the Mpumalanga Department of Finance during the period 2011 to 2012, for over R500 000, which was paid into her personal bank account.
The matter regarding the appointment of the Acting MM was stated as confidential on the Agenda of the Special Council Meeting, dated 1st October 2025. The DA was not afforded the opportunity to scrutinise the Curriculum Vitae of the candidate, or have knowledge of who the candidate was, other than being made aware that the appointment would be a secondment.
Any secondment to the embattled Sol Plaatje municipality by the MEC of COGHSTA, Bentely Vass, should be made with due care and consideration, especially taking into account that the incumbent MM, Mr Thapelo Matlala, is facing allegations of improper conduct and was placed under precautionary suspension.
It is concerning that a question regarding Magaguli’s past conduct was disregarded and her appointment was recommended and seconded by the ANC constituency of Council.
Given the significance of this matter and its implications for governance, compliance, and public trust, it is both prudent and necessary for Council to deliberate and resolve on the legality and propriety of the secondment.
The DA yesterday submitted our request for the urgent special council meeting to be convened. We also requested that the Legal Services Unit and Corporate Services Directorate be instructed to table all relevant documentation and correspondence relating to the secondment of Mgaguli for Council’s consideration. This should include any significant and pertinent matters relating to her work history that may impact the consideration of her appointment to a position of responsibility at Sol Plaatje Municipality.
Residents of Sol Plaatje deserve a fit fir purpose municipal manager, who practices good, clean governance who can get service delivery working again.