Former MMC of Infrastructure Services Thembani Kalipa is no longer representing the Congress of the People (Cope) as a councillor in the Ekurhuleni Municipal Council.

David Malatji, Cope Gauteng provincial secretary, confirmed Kalipa was removed by the party.

This is after the party investigated and the former MMC reportedly failed to produce proof of his membership.

The axing comes shortly after the Independent Ratepayers Association of SA voiced its concerns on what is believed to be a violation of Item 14 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

Izak Berg, the national chairperson of IRASA, revealed that in an item which served in the May 2022 council meeting under ethics, Kalipa owed money to the city.

He previously highlighted that Kalipa owed the City of Ekurhuleni an arrear amount of R321 809 on his municipal account.

Executive mayoral spokesperson, Phakamile Mbengashe previously told the Alberton Record that multiple disputes lodged by the MMC were yet to be resolved.

“The matter is currently investigated by the city’s finance department. A report will be submitted to the ethics and integrity committee to determine the actual account arrears and the outstanding balance,” he says.

Kalipa will be replaced by Thomas Mofokeng.

Mbengashe confirmed that Mofokeng was officially sworn in as a councillor in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Council.

“Mofokeng replaces Kalipa after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) declared a vacancy on the proportional representation seat of Cope. Cllr Heather Hart is the caretaker MMC for Infrastructure Services,” he says.