The Madibeng Municipality has been in turmoil for the past two weeks following the suspension of the municipal manager and the mayor suddenly going on special leave.

In February, a report was presented to the Madibeng Council and recommended investigation proceedings against the newly appointed Municipal Manager Quiet Kgatla after allegations of financial misconduct.
According to information at the time, the allegation stemmed from the appointment of a contractor after a former contractor did not deliver services.
Kgatla, who was appointed municipal manager in December, was suspended during a council meeting last week pending investigations being completed. This follows a previous council meeting where it was resolved that he would stay in office during investigations as the allegations were exaggerated and baseless.
During Monday’s council meeting, it was also announced that Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane has taken special leave citing “urgent personal matters”. This again follows allegations of nepotism, among other things, against Maimane. During the meeting an ad hoc committee was established to look into the conduct of the mayor.
Kormorant was informed that disciplinary action may also be instituted against three senior officials.
In the meantime, the suspended municipal manager has indicated in a letter from his attorneys to Madibeng Municipality that he intends to approach the court should his suspension not be lifted. He argues that the suspension was unlawful and that the suspension was not authorised by any council resolution.
Following enquiries by Kormorant the municipality merely said that Council, during its Special Sitting of 27 March 2025, resolved to put the Municipal Manager, Mr Quiet Kgatla on precautionary suspension. “Mr. Kgatla’s suspension (precautionary) came after the recommendations by the Disciplinary Board in its report on financial misconduct allegations against the Municipal Manager,” said municipal spokesperson Tumelo Tshabalala.
“The Executive Mayor, Douglas Maimane has taken special leave effective 25 March 2025 until 25 April 2025. Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlement and Planning, Khumo Morare was appointed as Acting Executive Mayor for the period mentioned. Director for Corporate Support Services, Daniel Masemola was appointed as Acting Municipal Manager.”