Matjhabeng’s mayor has denied allegations of using state money to build a multimillion-rand mansion in Welkom.

ActionSA Free State Chairperson Patricia Kopane alleged Thanduxolo Khalipha used a municipal service provider to construct his R3.4 million home, while the daughter of the service provider is employed in Khalipha’s office. Kopane said they have approached the Public Protector’s office to probe the allegations.

Free State ActionSA Chairperson Patricia Kopane. Picture supplied

“When you are a public representative you are not there to serve yourself, you are there to serve the people of South Africa and you use tax payers’ money … As ActionSA we want the public protector to probe as to how this service provider was appointed.”

DA Matjhabeng Constituency Head George Michalakis meanwhile accused ANC Members of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces of protecting Khalipha after the party’s request for an investigation into alleged corruption.  

In an interview with NewsroomAfrika Khalipha dismissed the allegation of owning property worth over R3 million and welcomed the fact that the matter has been referred to the Public Protector.

‘I stay in Thabong in the township’

“She has already indicated the matter is going to the public protector and we welcome it and we will wait for the outcome. I stay in Thabong in the township and I don’t own any property worth R3.4 million. 

“She can go to the deeds office, you don’t even need to go to the Public Protector. Just go to the deeds office to check whether the mayor owns any property worth that amount the only property I own is in Thabong,” he said.

Matjhabeng Municipality’s bank account has been attached following a legal battle with service providers. The troubled municipality was dragged to the High Court in Johannesburg demanding over R750 million.

Michalakis added that DA’s motion tabled the allegations of kickbacks of R4 million from certain service providers, allegations that some service providers are ANC donors, and allegations that some were irregularly appointed and inflated invoices for work never done.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi  Daphné/Morné