Sol Plaatje suspends controversial municipal manager Thapelo Matlala

Quick payments to firm owned by a namesake raises suspicions

- By Mzwandile kaBizokwakhe

The controversy around Sol Plaatje Local Municipality manager Bartholomew “Thapelo” Matlala has deepened with the council electing to place him on “precautionary suspension” on Tuesday.

According to sources inside the municipality, the council further resolved to compile a full register of all resolutions it has taken during this tenure amid allegations that he ignored key resolutions. Sunday World reported two weeks ago that the mayor had given him seven days to give reasons why he shouldn't be suspended pending a full investigation into allegations of maladministration and irregular payments to suppliers.

But it was the tender worth millions to Mabalane A Seven Construction and Projects that got the local community up in arms and out on the streets in protest.

On June 11, Thapelo signed off on the tender offer worth over R3.9-million, while Makoma Julia Matlala accepted on behalf of Mabalane. Locals immediately raised questions about their relationship. They wondered why a company headquartered in Limpopo should get tenders at the local municipality ahead of them for something as mundane as renovating a community hall.