Mayor, Lindiwe Shongwe, said she could not elaborate on the misconduct allegations made against manager Steve Molala,  to ensure the independent investigation into the matter is not compromised. The decision to suspend Molala for the second time this year was made during a council meeting on the evening of July 3, allegedly without his or the Speaker’s presence. He was informed of his suspension the next morning by the acting Mayor, Mosioua Poho. Shongwe says apart from the misconduct claims, there was the issue of Molala’s contract, which the council – a coalition formed after by-elections last year November – had an issue with.  

She says after the council was formed, they received a report from the appointed administrator, Moses Moremi, who performed the functions of the council from July 1st to mid-December 2017 after the previous council was dissolved for failing to approve their budget before the required time. She say it was discovered that the administrator had appointed Molala as municipal manager days before the by-elections took place in November, something the council did not approve of. Shongwe adds, the administrator should have halted the appointment, to allow the new council to make its own selection.  

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