The Masilonyana municipal manager in the Free State Mojalefa Matlole has denied allegations that he demolished part of a municipal building classified as a heritage site in Theunissen without council approval.
Mayor Dimakatso Modise says Matlole failed to follow the prescripts of the National Heritage Resources Act which stipulates that no building older than 60 years should be tampered with.
Modise says Matlole has also failed to consult the council with regard to the renovations.
Acting Municipal Manager Tsepiso Tsotetsi, speaking on behalf of Matlole who is on leave, says the building in question is in fact not declared a heritage site.
Tsotetsi says there is no major project that is underway, but they are merely creating a formal reception area. He adds that they are using the maintenance budget that was adopted by the council on the 31 of May 2024.
“We now have built a fully-fledged finance building where all financial transactions are performed – still within reach by all of our citizens. We are also attending to damaged ceilings and floors as a result of roof leaks. This is done from the maintenance budget long adopted by council on the 31 May 2024. The budget for maintenance was confirmed as around R17 million – generally. We are by the way – utilising our own internal maintenance team to make the corrections outlined. therefore, the expectation that this be included in the IDP projects is incorrect as the maintenance budget is reflected in both the budget and SDBIP.”
Masilonyana Municipal Manager under fire over heritage site demolition:
