By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Malekula Melato has strongly denied allegations that she personally benefitted from R90 million allegedly looted from funds allocated for the upgrade of the Elizabeth Ross electricity substation.
Addressing a special council sitting at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre, Melato slammed the claims making rounds on social media, calling them baseless and politically motivated. She challenged anyone with concrete evidence of her involvement to come forward and report her to law enforcement.
“If there’s anyone with proof that I benefitted even a cent from that money, I urge you to go to the police so I can be arrested. I am not above the law,” she said.
Social media posts have gone viral in recent days, accusing Melato and unnamed ANC officials of pocketing R90 million from the R200 million substation budget in a single transaction. The posts sparked public outrage, with opposition voices demanding answers and accountability.
However, Melato clarified that the substation project predates her tenure as mayor. She pointed out that when the project began, Maluti-a-Phofung was under the administration of opposition party MAP16.
“I was not the mayor when the Elizabeth Ross substation project was initiated. At that time, the municipality was led by MAP16,” she explained.
She also acknowledged being aware that the project had stalled in previous years but denied having any insider knowledge about the delay or how the funds were managed.
“During my budget speech this year, I asked the municipal manager to prioritise the completion of the substation project because it’s crucial in resolving the ongoing electricity crisis,” Melato stated.
Firm in her stance against corruption, the mayor said she fully supports any investigation into the matter.
“I am not afraid of scrutiny because I have nothing to hide. I stand against corruption in any form,” she added.
The Elizabeth Ross substation upgrade is seen as critical in addressing persistent electricity supply challenges in Maluti-a-Phofung. The municipality has faced ongoing service delivery issues, compounded by allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities over the years.
Authorities have yet to respond to the viral claims, but the mayor’s challenge has intensified pressure for formal investigations to confirm or dispel the allegations.
One Response
If the MAP Municipality Council is serious about service delivery and fight against corruption, why don’t they stop pointing fingers and institute a full investigation on this project?