The Limpopo Premier’s Office has strongly denied claims that Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba approved irregular multimillion-rand payments at Mogalakwena Municipality, dismissing the allegations as false and misleading.
The controversy began when unverified social media posts accused Ramathuba, Municipal Manager Morris Maluleka, and MEC Basikopo Makamu of authorizing payments to companies with alleged personal ties. Some claims referenced transactions predating Ramathuba’s term as premier, which began in June 2024.
“The allegations are baseless and demonstrate a clear misunderstanding of government processes,” said Thilivhali Muavha, spokesperson for the Premier’s Office. He clarified that municipal operations are independent and do not require approval from the premier or MEC under normal circumstances.
Investigations revealed the claims originated from a now-deactivated Facebook account and a parody X (formerly Twitter) account impersonating Maluleka. The Mogalakwena Municipality has labeled the posts as fabricated and malicious.
Premier Ramathuba has reported the matter to law enforcement for further investigation and called for public vigilance against misinformation. Authorities are also assessing potential security risks for Maluleka following the false accusations.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with social media misinformation in South Africa, particularly regarding public officials. The Premier’s Office urges citizens to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims.
No evidence has been presented to support the allegations, and all implicated officials maintain their innocence. The situation remains under review as authorities work to identify the sources of the false reports.