A political storm has erupted in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality as ANC councillors revolted against Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha’s move to appoint former Public Enterprises Director-General Kgathatso Tlhakudi as the new municipal manager.
Councillors argue that the decision undermines internal party processes and raises governance concerns, given Tlhakudi’s past dismissal from the national department. They insist the appointment was pushed through without proper consultation or adherence to ANC structures.
Tlhakudi was previously fired by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan following allegations of misconduct and clashes over state-owned entities’ management. His potential return to public administration through the Matjhabeng post has therefore drawn national attention.
Sources within the council revealed that some ANC members believe the mayor is forcing through the appointment to serve factional interests rather than municipal stability. Others fear the controversy could deepen divisions within the ruling party in the Free State.
The ANC’s regional leadership is reportedly considering intervention to prevent further fallout, while opposition parties have accused the municipality of recycling politically connected figures with questionable records.
Matjhabeng, already battling service delivery and financial instability, now faces another leadership crisis as the standoff threatens to paralyse local governance.