The Democratic Alliance Caucus in the Lesedi Local Municipality has formally submitted a motion of no confidence against Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi, calling for councillors to consider whether he should continue serving as the municipality’s political head.

The motion was submitted to the municipal manager on July 9. It will now proceed through the required statutory process before being considered by the Lesedi Municipal Council.

According to the DA, the motion is based on what the party describes as a sustained pattern of financial mismanagement and governance failure during Nkosi’s term in office.

The opposition party raised concerns about the municipality’s financial position, citing the Section 71 Municipal Budget Statement for May 2026, which it claims reflects an unfunded budget, a deteriorating cash position and a revenue collection rate of approximately 76%, below the 95% benchmark generally regarded as necessary for financial sustainability.

The DA alleged that Eskom debt had increased significantly under the current administration, while the municipality’s total creditors had grown to approximately R625.7m.

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The ongoing water crisis affecting residents across Lesedi also forms a central part of the motion.

The DA said Rand Water’s decision to reduce Lesedi’s bulk water supply by 20% on June 17, due to outstanding municipal debt, contributed to prolonged water shortages across several communities.

The party said the impact of the water crisis, combined with financial challenges, contributed to widespread community frustration and unrest in July, including protests in Ratanda during which two residents died.

The party added that Lesedi residents deserve a municipality that pays its bills, accounts for public money and keeps the taps running, saying it would continue to hold the administration accountable for what it described as failures in governance and financial management.

A motion of no confidence is a legal mechanism provided for under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, allowing councillors to decide whether an executive mayor retains the confidence of the municipal council.

The motion is expected to be tabled before the Lesedi Municipal Council on July 30, where councillors will debate and vote on the matter.

If the motion receives majority support, Nkosi will be removed from office and the speaker of the council will be required to begin the process of electing a new executive mayor.

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