Roy Jankielsohn, the DA leader in the Free State province, has taken a hands-off approach to the alleged maladministration in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, choosing to defer responsibility to the mayor. When questioned about the matter, Jankielsohn stated that “the only person who accounts to [him] is the mayor” and that he had been assured that Sipho Thomas, the municipal manager, met the requirements for his position. However, City Press has reported that Jankielsohn’s reliance on the mayor’s assurances may be misplaced.

● A report from the Auditor-General, Tsakani Maluleke, found that Thomas did not meet the requirements for his position and that his salary had been improperly adjusted.

● City Press also details numerous allegations against Thomas, including falsifying his qualifications and lowering the advertised salary for the municipal manager position to discourage applicants.

● Despite these serious concerns, Jankielsohn maintains that he was told Thomas’s qualifications were “fine.” His passive stance raises questions about his commitment to addressing the alleged maladministration and suggests a potential willingness to overlook misconduct within the DA-run municipality.