ERMELO – The Mpumalanga DA will write to Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), Ms Busisiwe Shiba, to request them to place Msukaligwa Local Municipality under administration.
According to the DA’s spokesman on Cogta, Ms Trudie Grové-Morgan, the current ANC infighting is so severe that it is effectively forcing service delivery to a halt.
The ANC has suspended the executive mayor, Ms Bhekiwe Agnes Mahlalela, the speaker, Ms Cawekazi Nomaswazi Madini, and the chief whip, Mr Samkelo Buthelezi – allegedly for refusing to vacate their acting positions which they had resumed after the November 2021 local government elections.
Mpumalanga ANC’s acting secretary, Ms Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, said the three were advised to vacate the positions, but they refused, hence the suspension and imminent party disciplinary processes.
In the midst of the tumultuous political climate, sewers are overflowing, potholes are not being fixed, and water and electricity woes continue.
“Residents hear nothing from their municipal representatives, because they are busy fighting among themselves,” Ms Grové-Morgan said.
Apparently, the suspended trio had been seconded to the council after the elections on a temporary basis – that is, after the ANC had allegedly found discrepancies with their list ahead of the November elections.
Highvelder reported that they had an agreement with the ANC that they were only acting in those positions until suitable candidates were found.
“Msukaligwa is one of the worst performing local municipalities in Mpumalanga, and the internal fighting between deployed ANC senior officials and alleged corruption are probably the biggest contributing factors to their dismal performance,” Ms Grové-Morgan stated.
“For the sake of progress and service delivery, Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane and MEC Shiba must place this municipality under administration until they sort out their issues.”
