Debate Erupts Over Morufa Moloto’s CFO Appointment at North West Parks and Tourism Board

Johannesburg – The selection of Morufa Moloto as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the North West Parks and Tourism Board has sparked controversy and heightened criticism over the practice of “cadre deployment.”

Moloto was previously suspended due to alleged financial irregularities involving millions of rand at the Madibeng Local Municipality.

Additionally, AfriForum, which has condemned the appointment, pointed out that Moloto is presently on bail facing accusations of corruption tied to another municipality.

AfriForum characterized Moloto’s appointment as a “shameless and reckless deployment of corrupt cadres.”

They emphasized: “This appointment underscores the prioritization of political loyalty over capability, exacerbating the decline of service delivery in the province.”

The civil rights organization announced plans to launch an investigation to explore potential legal and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability regarding this appointment.

AfriForum alleged that Moloto, the former CFO of Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality, has been under investigation by the Hawks since 2018 for alleged tender fraud.

“In the notorious ‘laptop scandal,’ Moloto reportedly granted a tender for eight laptops to her partner, Letladi Ramokora’s company, in exchange for bribes,” AfriForum revealed.

“Despite being under investigation, Moloto was appointed as CFO of Madibeng Local Municipality in January 2023 and was promoted to acting municipal manager in April 2024.

“However, both Moloto and Ramokora were arrested by the Hawks in June of that year on corruption charges linked to the laptop incident.”

RELATED: Dodgy Laptop Tender: Arrested Municipal Official Morufa Moloto Granted R15 000 Bail – The Bulrushes

Moloto and other officials from Madibeng Municipality faced suspension in April this year due to alleged procurement irregularities.

Marais de Vaal, AfriForum’s Advisor for Environmental Affairs, noted that Moloto’s recent hiring comes at a time when the North West Parks and Tourism Board is on the brink of collapse.

“Given the ongoing corruption allegations and a history of financial misconduct, Moloto’s appointment not only undermines the constitutional principles of ethical and accountable public administration but also appears procedurally illegal if proper vetting was neglected,” De Vaal stated.

“If irregularities are found, further legal actions will be considered.”

AfriForum also intends to request a public explanation from Bitsa Lenkopane, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism.

“Cadre deployment has serious consequences, leading to declining infrastructure, inadequate service delivery, and marginalized communities,” De Vaal pointed out.

“AfriForum will continue to expose incompetent appointments, advocate for accountability, and work towards building resilient communities that are not dependent on a failing state.”