MOKOPANE – Willy Shella Kekana, Mogalakwena municipal manager, was dismissed by the council on Tuesday, following 19 charges of misconduct, according to a media statement send by Malesela Selokela, office of the municipal manager, divisional head of communications, on Wednesday.

The dismissal of Kekana followed the suspension on December 3 after the disciplinary hearing was concluded on March 23.

The statement states, “The position for a municipal manager will be advertised with immediate effect and Kekana will be instructed to hand in all municipal property in his possession within seven days.”

Kekana was found guilty of the following charges; fruitful and wasteful expenditure which resulted in paying salaries to 23 expelled councilors, irregular expenditure an failure to act in the interest of the municipality, refusal to table the Auditors General report for the 2012/13 financial year, unauthorized use of municipal funds, breach of municipal finance management act no. 56 of 2003, failure to exercise management oversight-under spending on the conditional grants for the 2013/14 financial years and others.

“I support all the council resolutions taken yesterday. “I am confident that the municipality will run smoothly and continue to render basic services to the community of Mogalakwena”

Following the suspension of Malope Tshesane,chief financial officer, the council resolved that the acting municipal manager, Puledi Selepe be authorised to seek secondment of acting chief financial officer from Provincial, National Treasury and COGTA.

The municipal council further resolved that the report regarding payment of legal fees to M G Phatudi Incorporated be referred to the corporate support services portfolio committee for adjudication within fourteen working days, and internal legal opinion indicating financial and legal implications be sought in this regard.

The amount of R384 721 is owed and according to the statement Kekana claims that he failed to pay the amount alleging that the attorneys were appointed illegally.

On reviewing the present agreements between the municipality and Anglo Platinum the council agreed that the findings as well as the suggested strategy be noted and the council should be kept informed of the development. Anglo Platinum Mine will be requested to make a presentation to the council within fourteen working days.

Tlhalefi Mashamaite,mayor of Mogalakwensa municipality said, “I support all the council resolutions taken yesterday. “I am confident that the municipality will run smoothly and continue to render basic services to the community of Mogalakwena.”