Schweizer-Reneke / Ipelegeng — 7–11 November 2025. A public dispute has broken out in Mamusa Local Municipality over the hiring of two finance interns funded through National Treasury’s Finance Management Grant (FMG).

Community activist Lebogang Medupe has filed complaints with National Treasury, COGTA, SCOPA (National and North West) and the Public Protector, alleging nepotism and “possible abuse of authority” in the appointments. He argues that the two successful candidates have family ties to a senior municipal manager and to an EFF councillor, and claims the process was tainted.

Municipality: process “fair, transparent and lawful”

In a media release dated 7 November 2025, Mamusa said it is “confident” the recruitment complied with its policy and the Constitution. Key details it provided:

• Posts & funding: The FMG allows five intern posts; three are filled and two were advertised. The existing three contracts end 31 December 2025, with fresh recruitment before end-November.

• Advertisement: Positions were advertised in the Stellalander on 20 August 2025; seven applications were received.

• Panel & oversight: The selection panel comprised Finance and HR managers and union representatives (SAMWU, IMATU). The municipality says no councillors or staff from the Mayor’s Office sat on the panel.

• Shortlist & interviews: Four candidates were shortlisted for 14 October; one could not confirm qualifications, leaving three to be interviewed.

• Mitigation: Interview questions were compiled on the day—with candidates in a separate room—to curb leaks.

• Outcome: Two candidates were recommended “based on performance”.

The municipality has invited anyone with proof of undue influence to submit it to Municipal Manager Rantsho Gincane, and called it “unfair and malicious” to deny the interns their right to work on the basis of unproven allegations.

EFF councillor: denies involvement, backs transparency

Responding on social media, EFF councillor Olebeng Mogorosi acknowledged that a relative was appointed as an intern but said he played no role in the process, which he maintains followed “the standard interview and selection procedures.” He reaffirmed the EFF’s stance against nepotism and urged the municipality to release full details of the recruitment to ensure transparency.

Complainant: calls it a “betrayal of merit”

In posts and a formal complaint dated 11 November 2025, Medupe contends that family connections undermine public trust and the prospects of unemployed graduates. He says he escalated the matter to oversight bodies because “silence becomes permission for injustice,” and wants the appointments reviewed.

What happens next

With versions sharply at odds, the matter now sits with the oversight institutions Medupe has approached. Should they opt to review the process, they could seek the advert, shortlist matrices, interview scores and panel minutes to test the municipality’s claim of procedural fairness.

Bottom line: Mamusa insists the appointments were by-the-book; the complainant alleges the system favoured insiders. Oversight bodies have been asked to adjudicate — and the municipality says it will cooperate and consider any credible evidence presented.

-The VIP Team

advertisement: