A motion of no confidence in Rand West City Mayor Mzi Khumalo has officially been lodged. The DA took the step in view of the ongoing service delivery protests in Mohlakeng.
According to Evert du Plessis, DA Gauteng West Regional Chairperson, “In particular, residents are unhappy about poor service delivery, housing, unfair allocation of tenders to cronies, excessive billing and the recent appointment of ANC members to the Office of the Speaker.
Also Read: Charges laid against municipality
“Some of the appointees are former members of council, while the others are believed to be political deployees from the ANC. The motion, which is to be debated next month, comes as residents continuously circulate pamphlets in the area calling for a complete shutdown of the township. Local businesses are not operating for a second day running and schools in the area have also been closed.
“Residents are clear about their demands. They want better services from the municipality. Meanwhile, residents of neighbouring Westonaria want a split from the Rand West City Local Municipality, in order to re-join the Westonaria Municipality, because they are not getting the services to which they are entitled.”
The Municipal Demarcation Board merged the Randfontein and Westonaria municipalities in August 2016 to form the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM).
“This move was aimed at reducing the number of municipalities from 283 to just over 250 countrywide and save government millions every year. However, this merger has led to a major financial setback and poor delivery of services to thousands of residents. The ANC has failed to take seriously the impact that lack of service delivery has on the poor. Mayor Khumalo must be held accountable as he has failed in his duty to deliver to our people.
“The DA will remain at the forefront of the battle for better service delivery. We are the best party at delivery where we govern because we are committed to changing lives and bringing hope to our people,” Du Plessis said.
The mayor cannot comment on the issues, however Caroline Setsiba, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the office of the Executive Mayor said in a statement, “Comments on the matter will only be given after due processes have unfolded.
“We have received a motion of no confidence from the DA through the Office of the Speaker. In terms of the rules and order of council, the speaker on receipt of such a motion is expected to table the motion to council to be debated and voted for or against. A notice shall be circulated with the item as part of the agenda,” she explained.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
