The CEO of the entity, Malefane Sebokwana, and the board allegedly agreed to increase his salary this year. According to a DA member of the municipal council, Mokgadi Kganakga, the agreement between Sebokwana and the board is despite a directive from the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Tito Mboweni, proposing “moderate adjustments” to wage increases way below inflation for the upcoming financial years. Kganakga says Sebokwana increased his salary in April 2021 to R2.4 million per annum, which is much higher than his predecessors. Meanwhile, Centlec has noted and committed to respond to OFM News’ inquiry.

Mokgadi, in her speech which she delivered at a council sitting recently, alleges that Centlec has suffered a loss of R5 277 086 in the current financial year.

She says this loss cannot be attributed to the effects of Covid-19 but can only be blamed on what she terms “the gravy train in form of salary increases”.

She, amongst others, in her speech in the council states that:

“Between the two financial years, these employee-related costs went up by R23 263 851. These increases are increases in the office of the Chief Financial Officer - in January 2019 Mr T J Ramulondi was suspended and Mr Matsimela was appointed to act in his position. Ramulondi’s salary was R752 786 versus his replacement's R1 546 574 - more than doubling the expense in this office.”

Kganakga has labelled the entity and its leadership as a disgrace and a disappointment to thousands of citizens.

“I am personally embarrassed to have thought that a change in leadership was going to bring a difference in the people’s lives in Mangaung, especially for my people in Grassland, Roodewal, Bloemspruit, Heidedal, Pineheaven, Vaalbank-Zuid, and Estoire that have more days without electricity than with electricity. Public servants are there to serve the public and not to run down state institutions and enrich themselves. The entire Centlec has to be dismantled and we should only deal with Eskom,” Kganakga further adds.

OFM News