The Matatiele Local Municipality Council has resolved to appoint Advocate Mothusi Lepheane as the municipality’s new Municipal Manager, pending the completion of statutory processes.
Mayor Patrick Stuurman confirmed the council’s decision, describing Lepheane as a highly experienced candidate capable of leading the municipality.
“Now that we have taken a resolution, more processes are still going to follow for a period of 14 days. These processes include concurrence by the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, after which an appointment letter can be issued,” said Stuurman in an interview.
Lepheane, is expected to fill the position left vacant following the resignation of former Municipal Manager Lizo Matiwane towards the end of last year.
Currently, Nokhanyo Zembe, who was seconded from Umzimvubu Local Municipality, is serving in the position in an acting capacity.
Advocate Lepheane, originally from Matatiele, is a qualified legal practitioner who obtained his LLB degree from the University of Transkei (Unitra). He completed his matric studies at Mariazell High School in Matatiele.
Following the completion of his law degree, Lepheane became involved in various legal and academic projects, including the management of law clinics and lecturing at the University of Transkei.
In 2005, he served as chairperson within the South African Human Rights Commission structures. He later joined the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the Free State.
In 2013, he was appointed Director at Matjhabeng Local Municipality, where he later rose to the position of Municipal Manager.
In 2017, Lepheane joined the Free State Cogta intervention unit, which focuses on assisting troubled municipalities. Through the unit, he was deployed to Mafube Local Municipality as an administrator during intervention processes.
He is currently working within Cogta in Free State.
Despite his extensive public administration experience, Lepheane’s career has also attracted legal and governance-related scrutiny.
One of the most notable matters during his tenure at Matjhabeng Municipality involved a contempt of court case linked to Eskom debt disputes. Reports at the time indicated that the Free State High Court found him in contempt over alleged failure to comply with court orders relating to municipal Eskom payments and reporting obligations.
However, the matter later reached the Constitutional Court, where the ruling was ultimately set aside.
Lepheane was also involved in the widely publicised “Reitz Four” matter relating to racism allegations at the University of the Free State.
African National Congress Alfred Nzo Regional Secretary Polelo Mohale welcomed the council’s decision, expressing confidence in Lepheane’s qualifications and experience.
“The academic qualifications and experience tell us that we have chosen the best person for the position,” said Mohale.
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