Greetings to the members of the media present here today.

I would like to start by emphasizing the following issues before I get into the purpose of today’s media briefing.

Firstly, that the Greater Kokstad Municipality continues to abide by the principles of good governance and sound financial management. Our service delivery programme and their implementation is at its highest peak.

Secondly, that the municipality, especially Council, deals with and implements consequence management impartially and without fear or favour.

I will therefore address the media and the public about the outcome of a Special Council meeting that was held today, that is on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, where the matter involving serious allegations against one of our Councillors was discussed and a resolution taken.

1. The Greater Kokstad Municipality has learnt with shock and dismay about serious allegations of corruption by one of the Councillors in the municipality.
2. The municipality had been informed of the existence of a Voice Note, WhatsApp messages and video clips that are circulating on social media, and that these are in the possession of the office of the Speaker and the Municipality.
3. The material relates to allegations that the Councillor Ntombikhona Mfukuli of Ward 6 solicited and allegedly received money from individuals promising them employment in the municipality.
4. The nature of the allegations and their public circulation have raised serious concerns about the Municipality’s reputation, the integrity of its recruitment processes and public confidence in Council.
5. The allegations have not been tested and that Council resolved to establish a multi-party ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations involving Councillor Mfukuli.
6. The Multi-Party Ad Hoc Committee is constituted as follows: • Cllr N Mda (Chairperson) • Cllr Njobe (AIC) (Scriber) • Cllr Putuma (DA) • Cllr Njisane (ANC) • Cllr Luhabe (EFF) • Cllr Thabethe (ANC)
7. We implored the ad hoc committee to move with speed in dealing with the assignment so that justice would be served.
8. The municipality is legally mandated to maintain high ethical standards and zero-tolerance approach to corruption and fraud.
9. We follow a strict legal framework governing municipalities in South Africa, especially the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
10. Upon receipt of the allegations, the municipality convened a Special Council on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 to process the allegations and take appropriate action.
11. A formal, impartial and procedurally fair investigation is required. No finding of misconduct has been made, and the Councillor must be given reasonable opportunity to respond in writing by the 15th of October 2026 following to a formal communication to her by the Speaker.

Lastly, we wish to confirm our bold stance of non-tolerance to any form of corrupt, especially when it is about soliciting bribe from members of the public. We will act within the confines of the law and afford the said Councillor the right to be heard.

I thank you