Mokotso appeals board judgement

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – The fight between executive mayor Gilbert Mokotso and the interim board members of Maluti-A-Phofung water entity (Mapwater) looks set to rage on.

This after Mokotso revealed his intention to appeal against the Free State High Court ruling upholding the board’s appointment of its member as acting chief executive officer (CEO).

The mayor and the erstwhile acting CEO Peter Lephuthing who has since been replaced by member of the board Willy Lefora, did not oppose the urgent application filed by members of the board.

Now he wants to approach the court in a bid to overturn the judgement that also orders him to refrain from interfering with the duties of the interim board . He was also ordered to pay costs in his personal capacity.

“It is true that on Tuesday February 7, 2023, the high court in Bloemfontein found me guilty of interfering with the board of directors of Map water. But that matter, I am going to appeal against it. I do not agree with the decision taken.”

Defending his stance, Mokotso confirmed to have met with the board of directors after he realised the escalating crisis relating to water supply.

“There were many areas that could not be fixed and water could not be supplied because the acting CEO who has been appointed by the board does not have executive powers. There was a big protest in Qholaqhwe because of this. I have realized that they based their decision on the memorandum of incorporation but those will be ironed out by the court.”