
29/08/2025
🔴CURRENT NEWS🔴 Matjhabeng MMC accused of awarding R15 million solar tender to his own company
Mojalefa Buti, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Local Economic Development in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Welkom, Free State, is under scrutiny following allegations that he steered a R15 million solar farm tender to a company co-owned by himself and his wife.
Buti chaired the eight-member municipal committee responsible for adjudicating the tender, which was advertised by his own department.
An unsuccessful bidder, Fokeng Legacy, claims the process was compromised by a conflict of interest, alleging that Buti manipulated the outcome to favour his business interests.
Matjhabeng is already under Section 139 administration due to longstanding governance and financial challenges. Residents and opposition parties have voiced outrage over the allegations, demanding transparency and stricter oversight of municipal tenders.
“This is a betrayal of the people of Matjhabeng,” said a representative from Fokeng Legacy. “Public funds must serve the community, not personal interests.”
The Hawks are expected to investigate the matter, intensifying scrutiny on municipal governance and accountability.