Limpopo politics has been thrown into crisis following explosive allegations linking Premier Phophi Ramathuba and Cooperative Governance MEC Basikop Makamu to a corruption scandal estimated at more than R1 billion at the troubled Mogalakwena Local Municipality.
Documents, whistleblower accounts, and leaked internal memos seen by African Times suggest that questionable payments, inflated contracts, and political interference may have drained the municipality’s coffers—while ordinary residents continue to live with pothole-ridden roads, dry taps, and collapsing infrastructure.
Whistleblowers Lift the Lid
The scandal came to light after a series of whistleblower revelations. Mogalakwena’s Municipal Manager, Morris Montengo Maluleka, published a shocking social media post accusing Premier Ramathuba and MEC Makamu of instructing him to process dubious transactions.
“If anything happens to me, the following people (Phophi Ramathuba and Basikop Makamu) are responsible,” Maluleka wrote. “We have indeed spent more than R1 billion within a year because I was instructed to do so.”
He further claimed that both politicians pressured him to hire their relatives and sign off on inflated invoices. Within 24 hours of the post going viral, Maluleka’s account was mysteriously deleted—raising suspicions of intimidation and cover-ups.
Another whistleblower, Victor Mokonyane, known online as DJ Money Mok, released a viral video on X in 2024 alleging large-scale looting at Mogalakwena. “Millions leave the municipal purse but there is no service delivery. Roads are full of potholes and some areas don’t have water,” he warned, adding that he had evidence strong enough to “send senior officials to jail for 27 years.”
Paper Trail Raises Questions
Whistleblower claims are now backed by leaked internal documents, including a resignation letter dated 28 July 2025 from Chief Financial Officer KA Ngomana, who quit under “intense pressure” as Hawks investigators circled the municipality. A supplier transaction reflecting a R78 million payment for painting dams—a figure experts say is highly inflated. An internal memorandum dated 15 April 2025, signed by Maluleka, authorising a R1.7 million legal payment to Popela Maake Attorneys—an amount critics say fits a pattern of inflated legal costs used to siphon public funds.
Together, the documents paint a grim picture of systematic looting while residents see little to no improvement in basic services.
Residents and Civil Society Fume
In Mahwelereng, residents expressed deep anger.
“We don’t have water, our roads are terrible, yet millions are vanishing into people’s pockets,” said one local teacher. “If the Premier and MEC are involved, they must be arrested like anyone else.”
Civil society has also reacted strongly. Corruption Watch Limpopo said:
“This is not the first time Mogalakwena has been in the news for corruption, but the alleged involvement of the Premier makes this scandal unprecedented. Accountability must reach the highest levels.”
Premier’s Office Hits Back
As pressure mounted, the Office of the Premier issued a strongly worded statement on Monday, dismissing the allegations as “reckless, misleading, and defamatory.”
“The Office of the Premier wants to be unequivocally clear: these assertions are entirely false,” said Thilivhali Muavha, Premier Ramathuba’s spokesperson.
According to the statement, the damaging posts were spread by fake and parody social media accounts, including one falsely impersonating Municipal Manager Maluleka. The Premier’s office insists that municipalities operate independently of provincial leaders, and neither the Premier nor the MEC has authority to instruct Municipal Managers on operational decisions.
“Some of the transactions being reported date back to 2023, long before the current Premier was elected,” the statement noted, describing the allegations as part of a deliberate smear campaign.
Ramathuba has since escalated the matter to law enforcement, urging police to investigate the origins of the posts and protect Maluleka, who she says may be under threat from those manipulating the narrative.
Analysts Warn of Political Fallout
Despite the Premier’s denial, political analysts say the scandal could damage Limpopo’s leadership.
“The fact that such serious allegations are hanging over the Premier and her colleague, yet no independent investigation has been confirmed, is worrying,” said one analyst. “Even if proven false, the cloud of suspicion could erode public trust.”
Hawks Under Pressure
The Hawks have not confirmed an active investigation into the alleged R1 billion looting, but sources close to law enforcement told African Times that investigators are “closely studying” the documents and whistleblower accounts.
For whistleblowers like Maluleka and Mokonyane, the fight is about survival. Both men have raised fears for their safety, but say they remain committed to exposing the truth.
“The people deserve answers, and I will not stop until every detail is out in the open,” Maluleka said in his deleted post.
Limpopo Awaits Justice
For residents, the scandal is about more than money—it is about survival.
“The R1 billion could have changed lives in Mogalakwena,” said community activist Lydia Phasha. “Instead, it may have lined the pockets of the powerful. We are tired of promises. We want justice.”
As Limpopo waits, the question remains: Will law enforcement act decisively, or will political power once again shield the accused?
