The Greater Kokstad Municipality has resolved to establish a multi-party ad hoc committee to investigate allegations that Ward 6 Councillor Ntombifikile Mfukuli solicited money from job seekers in exchange for employment opportunities at the municipality.
The decision was taken during a Special Council meeting held on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, following the circulation of voice notes, WhatsApp messages and video clips on social media allegedly implicating the councillor in a job-for-cash scheme.
In a statement, Greater Kokstad Municipality Speaker Bhekokwakhe Trinity Nozaza said the municipality had learnt of the allegations with shock and dismay, expressing concern about their potential impact on the institution’s reputation, the integrity of its recruitment processes and public confidence in the council.
According to the allegations contained in the circulating material, Mfukuli allegedly solicited and received money from individuals while promising to secure them employment at the municipality and other departments.
In one of the videos, a woman believed to be Mfukuli is seen in a room holding documents while another person appears to be counting cash. She is allegedly heard responding to a question about when the prospective job seekers would be placed, saying they would be included on that day’s list and sent for medical examinations.
In the same video, she is allegedly heard cautioning the other person against discussing the matter, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction.
In a separate voice note, a woman believed to be a job seeker tells the person she is speaking to that she has completed the required steps and that the money is ready. She then asks where she should deliver the documents.
The person believed to be Mfukuli allegedly instructs her to hand the documents to a security guard at the municipality. A security guard can also reportedly be heard confirming receipt of the documents.
The authenticity and full context of the circulating recordings have not been independently established.
Nozaza said the council had resolved to establish a multi-party ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations and ensure that the matter was handled fairly and in accordance with the law.
The committee will be chaired by Cllr N. Mda, with Cllr Njobe of the AIC serving as the scribe. Other members are Cllr Putuma of the DA, Cllr Njisane of the ANC, Cllr Luhabe of the EFF and Cllr Thabethe of the ANC.
The committee has been urged to expedite its work so that the allegations can be thoroughly examined and an appropriate outcome reached.
“The allegations have not been tested,” Nozaza said, emphasising the need for a formal, impartial and procedurally fair investigation.
He added that no finding of misconduct had been made against the councillor and that she would be afforded a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations.
According to the Speaker, Mfukuli is required to submit a written response by 15 October 2026, following formal communication from his office.
Nozaza further stressed that the municipality was committed to upholding ethical standards and would not tolerate corruption or fraud, particularly allegations involving the solicitation of bribes from members of the public seeking employment.
He said the municipality would act within the confines of the law while respecting the councillor’s right to be heard.
The investigation is expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine what further action, if any, may be warranted.
No tags for this post.
