POLOKWANE – Although it was recently reported that the ANC Limpopo provincial executive committee (PEC) wanted to recall four mayors, including the Capricorn mayor, Gilbert Kganyago, the party has denied these allegations.
It was reported that the party intended to dismiss Kganyago for taking action against the municipality’s senior manager for performance, John Mpe, but insiders say it is no secret that Mpe enjoys the PEC’s protection.
“Recent media reports that the ANC in Limpopo has recalled him, as well as the mayors of Sekhukhune district, Lepelle-Nkumpi and Molemole are incorrect. We wish to state that the PEC has not taken action, or considered a recommendation, to recall any mayor,” said ANC Limpopo spokesperson, Aluwani Netsianda.
There are allegations that Mpe, who was elected Deputy Chairperson of the ANC in the Peter Mokaba Region in October, has allegedly not reported for work since November, but continues to receive his monthly municipal salary.
DA councillor, David Setjie, alleges that Mpe received some R700 000 in total in lieu of his salary, even though he had not reported for work in the period mentioned.
He said the municipality only took action after the DA made the matter public and pressured the mayor to take action.
“The DA will request the Auditor-General to probe this fruitless expenditure and we will push for the money to be repaid,” Setjie said.
Speaking on behalf of the Capricorn District Municipality on Wednesday, Moffat Senyatsi said he was not aware of any municipal employee’s salary being stopped.
“But we will investigate, verify these assertions and release a statement soonest,” he concluded.
Request for Mpe’s comment on the matter, was refused.
“I have not comment on this matter,” he said.
