The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has learnt that the Mayor of Merafong, Maphefo Mogale-Letsie has now appointed her niece, Lerato Peu as the acting Municipal Manager (MM).
Allegations of irregular appointment practices and nepotism are rife amongst staff and councillors as the Acting MM is apparently unknown in governance circles
The appointment, if verified, suggests that the Mayor is in dire need of loyal cadres and is prepared to ignore any regulated appointment practices in order to protect her own interests and patronage networks.
This is just another defiant move by the Mayor, who has asked by the ANC to step down in August for her involvement in the illegal investment of R50 million with VBS. This money that was illegally invested with VBS under her watch will probably never be recovered.
In order to verify and substantiate the serious concerns of Merafong staff and residents, I will be submitting written questions to the MEC to get details of the relationship between the Mayor and the acting MM, exactly what transpired during the selection procedure and if any rules were circumvented, and if Ms Peu possesses the legislated qualifications required to perform the tasks of an MM.