Limpopo Premier denies allegations of corruption and nepotism

by Mathipa Phishego

The Office of the Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, has issued a statement denying claims that the Premier is involved in corruption in Mogalakwena Municipality.

It described the allegations as a smear campaign aimed at discrediting Dr. Ramathuba.This follows a Facebook post made by an account under the name Tshepo Ledwaba. Ledwaba alleged that Mogalakwena Municipal Manager, Morris Montengo Maluleka, fears for his life.

The claims suggest that Maluleka is entangled in corruption alongside Ramathuba and MEC for COGTA, Basikop Makamu. According to the post, Maluleka is currently under investigation by the HAWKS, and as a result, is exposing top officials.

“The Office of the Premier wants to be unequivocally clear: these assertions are false. They reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the operational dynamics within government,” read the statement, highlighting that Municipal Managers and Municipal Councils operate independently.

The statement further explained that the Premier may only intervene if the MEC for COGTA has formally reported a matter. “The allegations are not only unfounded, but appear to be part of a deliberate smear campaign,” it added.

As it stands, the public is closely watching the developments around the allegations. The Office of the Premier noted that the matter has been escalated to law enforcement agencies.

Network citizens have been unsettled by the claims particularly in the wake of another recent incident involving corruption allegations in Polokwane Municipality. Many netizens believe that “there is no smoke without fire.”