During a special Madibeng council meeting on Monday, the newly appointed municipal manager Quiet Kgatla was given seven days to provide reasons why a precautionary suspension should not be effected.

Madibeng municipal manager Quiet Kgatla.

This follows a report presented to the council by Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane, recommending investigation proceedings against Kgatla after allegations of misconduct.
According to the report, the municipal manager allegedly committed acts of misconduct in the appointment of a contractor without following the supply chain management process. The allegation stems from the appointment of a contractor after a former contractor did not deliver services. Violent protests ensued in Damonsville last month after a contractor who won a tender to build houses in Damonsville did not turn up to do the job. Following the protests, the municipality terminated the contractor’s contract and Kgatla appointed a new contractor. Now Kgatla is taken to task for not following the tender and consultation processes, among other things.
The report also accused Kgatla of financial misconduct after he allegedly instructed the withdrawal of R25 million from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to pay security contractors and operational contracts.
Kgatla is also accused of an unlawful settlement agreement related to a dismissal dispute. He allegedly instructed the legal division to settle out of court after a former employee took them to court for alleged illegal dismissal. According to the report he approved a settlement payment of R252 000, despite legal advice to contest the case.
The Madibeng council resolved that Kgatla must be provided with seven days to make written representations as to why the precautionary suspension should not be effected.