Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - The Mahikeng High Court dismissed an urgent application brought by the City of Matlosana’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla in an attempt to halt disciplinary action against her. On Friday September 26, Phetla’s bid to get an interdict against the municipality from proceeding with disciplinary hearings against her was struck from the court roll. She was further ordered to pay the municipality’s legal costs. Phetla has also sought to set aside the appointment of the presiding officer and evidence leader in the proceedings.
Matlosana DA welcomed the court’s decision. “This ruling pave the way for the municipality to move forward with critical accountability measures to address serious allegations of financial misconduct,’’ said Cllr Gerhard Strydom.
He added that the DA is concerned by the conduct of the Speaker of Council. “The Speaker misled the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditio-nal Affairs (Cogta) when asked if she was shielding the CFO. She claimed that “all reports have been reported” despite being in possession of a report from the Municipal Manager and despite a letter from the Executive Mayor requesting that the outstanding report on the CFO be submitted to Council. To date, this has not been done.’’
Strydom said the DA will continue to monitor the process to ensure that the disciplinary proceedings go ahead without delay and that residents’ interests remain the top priority. “Accountability must not be sacrificed to protect individuals implicated in wrong-doing.”
