TWO RESIGN AT TCM

LYDENBURG – It never rains but pours for the ruling party and the Thaba Chweu Municipality.

In a dramatic week, Cllr Paul Mokgosinyana of Ward 6 tendered his resignation for the second time within nine months.

His first resignation forced the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to call for by-elections a mere three months ago. He won the election to become the councillor of Ward 6, but he has now again tendered his resignation.

Makgosinyana was inaugurated as councillor on the same day frustrated residents disrupted a council meeting demanding answers to the lack of service delivery. He made quite a scene during the disruption by shouting; “This is not democracy!” During his outburst, he received a blow to the head.

According to a party insider, Mokgosinyana felt betrayed that the regional branch of the ANC failed to honour its promise of giving him the chief whip position. This position was, however, awarded to Cllr. Selinah Mashego during a special council meeting.

Another source told the paper that he has apparently now turned to the new baby on the block, the Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF) of Julius Malema.

“The ANC made a mistake by bringing him back in the first place instead of picking another cadre,” the source told the newspaper.

To fill the vacancy once again the IEC must convene another costly by-election.

In another dramatic move, the director of technical services, Mr Thabo Pheeha also served his notice informing the municipality that he is leaving TCM before the end of his contract.

Asked for comment, the source said they would not “mourn” but celebrate the departure of Pheela. “Now we hope that the right person not only with skills but knowledge of TCM will be found to effect basic service delivery.”

His resignation comes shortly after DA Cllr Farhad Essack gave notice of a motion of no confidence in Pheeha.

In the motion he stated that council noted that for a considerable period this municipality had been retrogressing beyond belief, under his leadership in the technical Department.

“This council must further note that he has been in contravention of applicable legislation and by-laws regarding environment, water, sanitation, health and roads, resulting in this municipality further contravening various sections of the Municipal Structures Act and also basic human rights embedded in our Constitution.”

He further stated that Pheeha had been well informed of the above considering various charges that had been made against this municipality, further exposing the municipality to legal action and financial claims. “The fact that he is not available to the community and public most of the time and considering that he also does not reside in this municipality adds further impetus to this motion of no confidence. The Democratic Alliance therefore calls on the ruling party to support this motion.”

The newspaper approached TCM about Pheeha’s sudden resignation.

TCM said, “Mr Thabo Pheeha has resigned citing personal reasons, he did not mention any frustrations or discontent. Instead he stated that he was grateful to council for affording him an opportunity to work at the municipality. He is currently serving a notice. Thaba Chweu Municipality wishes him well in his future plans and thanks him for serving during these difficult times.”

They also confirmed that the position would be advertised soon. With regard to Makgosinyana’s resignation, TCM responded and told the newspaper with regard to the allegation of being promised the chief whip position that “Thaba Chweu is not a political party. This question should be directed to the ANC as it is the one that deploys the political leaders.” They also added that Thaba Chweu would not hold elections or by-elections and that only the IEC would account for that in political parties’ contest.