By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Local Municipality Council is in deliberation over how to respond to a defamation lawsuit filed against Speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini by the municipality’s former Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Jemina Mazinyo.
At the heart of the debate is whether public funds should be used to cover Dlamini’s legal costs.
Tensions were sparked by a recent sitting of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), where Dlamini, appearing on behalf of the council, made serious allegations against Mazinyo. Chief Whip Moeketsi Lebesa confirmed that Dlamini accused Mazinyo of leading a “cabal” allegedly involved in looting municipal resources.
Mazinyo has since filed a defamation lawsuit, claiming the Speaker’s remarks have severely damaged her reputation and personal integrity.
Councillor Tumelo Thebe noted that the Speaker was officially invited by Parliament on behalf of the council to attend the COGTA oversight meeting on 27 February, where the remarks were made.
“There is division in this council,” Thebe said. “When Councillor Mokotso faced a similar lawsuit from the same CFO and former acting Municipal Manager Mothamaha, the council decided he was on his own. The same must apply here—everyone must carry their own yoke. We cannot expect council support for individual actions taken outside a formal mandate.”
However, Councillor Mokotso offered a different perspective, expressing sympathy for the Speaker.
“It’s unfortunate that this lack of support is only being acknowledged now,” he said. “The Speaker was at work, representing council. Legal costs are substantial—I know from experience. We should support him.”
Council speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini.
During a council sitting held on 8 May 2025, four distinct positions emerged: to financially support the Speaker; to seek legal advice from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta); to reject financial support altogether; or to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
Lebesa recommended consulting Cogta before making any financial commitment.
“We cannot afford to make such a decision without proper legal advice,” he cautioned. Councillor Nare Ramohloki urged a more conciliatory approach.“This matter should be resolved amicably,” Ramohloki said. “Let us engage both Mazinyo and the Speaker and try to settle this outside court.”
Executive Mayor Malekula Melato expressed concern about the reputational implications for municipal leadership. She called for investment in character development workshops for councillors.“This is a leadership lesson,” she said.
“We must cultivate ethical and accountable leadership.” Acting Speaker Khanyi Molefe acknowledged the differing views and stressed the urgency of reaching a resolution.
Municipal Manager (MM) Motsoahae Mofokeng took a firm stance, saying the Speaker had already appointed his own legal team without following proper Supply Chain Management (SCM) procedures.
“I cannot authorize payments for a legal team that was not procured through the correct channels,” Mofokeng stated.
He proposed mediation as the most practical path forward and offered to be part of the delegation to facilitate talks.
“We can initiate mediation within the next 48 hours. I’m willing to assist if both parties agree,” he added.
As the council weighs its options—legal funding, external consultation, or diplomatic resolution—attention remains fixed on how it will handle this politically sensitive and potentially precedent-setting case involving one of its own.
