Mogalakwena municipality appoints ‘shoplifter’ as manager – DA

The Democratic Alliance has rejected the appointment of Beverly Gunqisa as the new municipal manager (MM) of the Mogalakwena municipality in Limpopo.

Gunqisa allegedly has a shoplifting criminal record after a 2011 offence, and the party vehemently opposes the appointment, which was confirmed during Tuesday’s council meeting.

The party issued a statement opposing the appointment: “She was chosen over the other two suitable candidates. The first candidate scored 71 out of 75, but Gunqisa scored only 63 out of 75, whilst the third candidate scored 56 out of 75.”

A case was allegedly opened at the Lyttelton police station in Pretoria. A state security report submitted to the municipality prior to her appointment indicated that, although her criminal case may not disqualify her from the role, the nature of the offence, the occurrence and sensitivity to the role indicated that she may be a risk.

“There is a fear that she will have access to classified information and financial information. The report recommends that a request be submitted to the State Security Agency in order to conduct the necessary vetting investigations at the end of which a relevant security clearance will be considered.”

Gunqisa’s appointment is effective from 1 April with a remuneration package of over R1.4 million.

The DA plans to engage with MEC for cooperative governance Jerry Ndou to put a stop to the alleged shoplifter’s appointment at the embattled municipality.

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