Advocate Matshidiso Cordelia (53) was found guilty on charges of fraud and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2023. Kimberley Serious Commercial Crimes Court convicted the former Municipal Manager of Phokwani Local Municipality in the Northern Cape Province.
During 2018, while serving as the Municipal Manager of Phokwani Municipality, the Manager Advocate Cordelia issued instructions to the municipal payroll accountant for payment of car and travel allowance to thirteen (13) employees without following the applicable procedures. The Municipal Manager disregarded the moratorium of the Municipal council that was in place at that time with her unlawful instruction.
In addition, the Advocate unlawfully increased her remuneration package and implemented a 4% rural allowance without informing council or obtaining authorization from the Member of Executive Council (MEC) of COGSTA in the Northern Cape as required. All increases were backdated to July 2017, resulting in the Municipality suffering substantial losses.
The matter is postponed to Wednesday, 8 April 2026 for pre- sentencing report and sentencing.
Cece Smith 