By Abigail Visagie

·       Municipality confirms Phetla’s sacking

·       Court barred her from office

The Mahikeng High Court has suspended the Matlosana Local Municipality council’s decision to reinstate its dismissed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla. The ruling follows an urgent application brought before the court last week. Judge Andre Peterson ordered that the council resolution adopted on 4 February — which sought to reinstate Phetla — be set aside pending the final determination of the matter. The court further ruled that Phetla may not report for duty or perform any functions as CFO until the case is finalised. Journal News previously reported that Phetla faces two separate criminal cases involving allegations of corruption, fraud and money laundering. She is also the subject of a completed disciplinary process that resulted in a recommendation for her dismissal. Municipal spokesperson Kelebogile Moleko confirmed that Phetla’s dismissal letter has been issued. “The sanctions calling for the CFO, Ms Phetla’s dismissal, have been implemented in terms of the Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers in Local Government, specifically referencing Section 57A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, which governs disciplinary procedures for senior officials,” said Moleko. The municipality further confirmed that a report compiled by Advocate S. Sethene, dated 30 December 2025, recommended Phetla’s dismissal. Earlier this year, a council sitting convened to deliberate on the disciplinary report descended into political tension. The meeting failed to proceed after ANC councillors walked out, resulting in a lack of quorum. The Democratic Alliance (DA) accused Executive Mayor and Speaker Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya of withholding the original disciplinary report from the council agenda. Mondlane-Ngwenya maintained that the postponement was necessary because the CFO was not present and legal representatives needed to present the findings. Speculation emerged that the walkout was intended to shield Phetla from accountability. The development drew attention given previous remarks by ANC provincial chairperson Nono Maloyi, who had stated that councillors must adhere strictly to constitutional and legislative processes in resolving municipal matters. Maloyi previously warned that any attempt to bypass due process could undermine local governance. According to the disciplinary findings, Phetla was charged with gross misconduct, dishonesty and dereliction of duty. Although she pleaded not guilty to five charges, she was found guilty on all counts. Among the findings was an unauthorised payment of R2.9 million to Variegated (Pty) Ltd for electrical materials that were reportedly never delivered. The report stated that the payment exceeded delegated authority limits. It was noted that a municipal manager may authorise expenditure up to R1.5 million, yet the payment of R2.9 million was approved. Phetla was also found responsible for irregular and wasteful expenditure amounting to R528 000. In addition, the inquiry found that she received gratification in the form of a Volkswagen Amarok valued at approximately R1.4 million from GMHM Construction and Projects, a municipal service provider. This was deemed to have brought the municipality into disrepute. Phetla has maintained that she purchased the vehicle herself; however, the disciplinary report indicated that no supporting evidence was provided. It has further been alleged that her bail was paid by the son of a director at GMHM. She has also been linked to other luxury vehicles, including a Porsche, Range Rover and Maserati. The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has obtained preservation orders on certain assets pending the outcome of legal proceedings. Phetla has denied ownership of the vehicles. The matter now remains before the courts, with the municipality’s decision to dismiss her standing pending final judicial determination.