AfriForum welcomes independent investigation into Mangaung Metro’s City Manager but warns against political interference
AfriForum welcomes the Mangaung Metro Council’s decision to appoint an independent investigator to probe allegations of financial mismanagement, maladministration, and management failures against Sello More, the Metro’s Municipal Manager. The civil rights organisation, however, emphasises that it is critical for this investigation to be free from political interference and completed within the prescribed timeframe and for the findings to be published upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The appointment of an independent investigator follows, among other things, widespread allegations of mismanagement against More and comes in response to findings from a report by the Auditor-General released in January.
Earlier this year, AfriForum called on More to vacate his position. In April, the organisation argued that More should resign immediately due to serious and ongoing financial mismanagement and other administrative issues plaguing the Metro. AfriForum maintains that these issues damage the Metro’s credibility and hinder service delivery. Moreover, despite the Metro’s poor performance record, More rewarded himself in 2024 with a massive salary increase of approximately R700 000 for so-called “outstanding performance”.
According to Christo Groenewald, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Bloemfontein, the metro’s council acknowledges – through its decision to commission an independent investigation – that the allegations against More are serious enough to warrant a proper investigation. “The residents of the Mangaung Metro deserve a municipal administration that acts accountably and is managed in the interest of the community,” he explains.
However, Groenewald warns that the investigation must not merely be a procedural exercise but, if allegations of mismanagement against More are confirmed, must lead to decisive action.
“Public confidence in the Metro has already been severely eroded by years of poor governance, financial mismanagement and inadequate service delivery. Should the investigation uncover sufficient evidence of misconduct, the Metro Council must take disciplinary action and, where necessary, refer the matter to the relevant law enforcement authorities. No one is above the law.”
AfriForum will closely monitor the investigation to ensure that transparency, accountability and good governance are upheld for the benefit of residents in the Mangaung Metro.
AfriForum continues its call for More’s resignation. Add your voice here to support the demand for his resignation.
