Workers of the cash-strapped Letsemeng Municipality have downed tools as they demand answers over the continued nonpayment of third-party contributions to pension funds and medical aid schemes.

It’s understood its Koffiefontein offices have been closed for almost two weeks. 

Despite their concerns, Ntsimane Mokgapi said he feels sorry for the community as all services have been halted Picture: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

Administrative manager Ntsimane Mokgapi lamented the council's decision to remove Sethembile Tooi as its CFO, saying it’ll lead to no accountability on continued nonpayments of third-party contributions despite monies being deducted from employees’ salaries.

"If these people care about the future of this municipality, they will do the right thing and reinstate the CFO so that we can go back to work and get answers. The CFO must come and account for what happened to that money."

OFM News previously reported Kadima Masenkoane was removed as municipal manager after the Cogta-seconded Letsemeng speaker, Xolani Mthukwane, ruled on the matter without a quorum. 

Tooi was suspended pending an investigation on fleet procurement. While Dineo Tsikang was reappointed as Acting Municipal Manager. Tsikang is one of the officials implicated in the R40 million tender awarded to a Bloemfontein-based company in August last year. It is, however, understood that the mayor did not authorise Tsikang's appointment. 

Mokgapi said workers demand that the Cogta MEC come and address a dire situation in Letsemeng as they are also not sure workers will get their salaries this month. Despite their concerns, Mokgapi said he feels sorry for the community as all services are now on halt.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi and Zenande Mpame