The Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Makoro John Mpe, refuted the alleged corruption in multi-million tender

Image: Polokwane Municipality Facebook account

Polokwane Mayor sparks uproar denies corruption admits to tender with Zim national  

Mathipa Phishego  

Under intensifying scrutiny and growing public criticism, Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Makoro John Mpe, held a media briefing on Thursday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium to address multi-million rand corruption allegations leveled against him and Municipal Manager Thuso Nemungumoni. 

The embattled mayor categorically denied any involvement in corrupt activities, describing the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated. “There is no evidence linking me or the Municipal Manager to any unlawful tender processes,” Mpe told journalists. However, he admitted that the municipality has awarded tenders to foreign nationals a point that has fueled public speculation. 

One particular concern surrounds the awarding  

of a lucrative tender to a Zimbabwean national, who is allegedly romantically linked to Nemungumoni. Mpe dismissed the notion that personal relationships played a role in the awarding of tenders, stating, “What the Municipal Manager does in her personal capacity is her own business. We follow due process in procurement.” 

While the mayor’s public statement aimed to restore public confidence, the media briefing raised more questions than it answered. Mpe appeared evasive when pressed on the municipality’s questionable 2023 audit findings, sidestepping specific inquiries and deflecting responsibility.  

The audit reportedly flagged several irregularities, including unaccounted expenditures and inconsistencies in project allocations. Network Citizens pposition have called for an independent investigation. “The mayor cannot simply talk his way out of this. People of Polokwane deserve transparency and  

accountability,” commented one user Polokwane Municipality Facebook account.  

Law enforcement authorities have yet to confirm whether a formal investigation has been launched, but pressure continues to mount for a forensic audit and possible suspension of those implicated. As the allegations linger, so does a growing sentiment of distrust among residents. For now, Mpe remains firm in his denial. But, the court of public opinion is far from convinced.