FORMER Capricorn District Municipality mayor Lawrence Mapoulo says although the ANC recalled him from his position, he will never dump the ANC to join “mafundane” (a young, inexperienced party).
Mapoulo spoke at a council meeting during which he and chief whip Patrick Baloyi were bid farewell.
Mapoulo said he would one day die as an ANC member and that his coffin would be wrapped with green, black and gold. “I occupied the executive mayor position because of the ANC and I have only four years left before I am a veteran,” he said.
He said debates with the opposition party had sharpened him during his tenure as mayor.
“I have run my race and this is the time to hand over the baton to other comrades. I’m very humble about the manner in which people worked with me,” he said.
“It is not over until God says so. As a cadre for more than 36 years, I will remain a disciplined member of the ANC. I will remain a councillor. Those who said I was not performing must know that this is an ANC municipality and the ANC municipality is delivering,” he continued.
Baloyi said his work as chief whip had not been in the public eye much, as he had been organising caucuses internally. He warned council members not to be divided because this could lead to negative audit results.
Chief Maisha Molepo, leader in Capricorn of the House of Traditional Leaders, said Mapoulo had done an enormous job in the municipality.
David Setjie from the DA said Mapoulo and Baloyi could step down proudly as they had built the municipality up to where it was today.
Alex Ramalla from Cope said they knew politics was behind the recalling of Mapoulo and Baloyi, and not poor service delivery. He said Mapoulo had given 100% to his work, and he would be welcome if he wanted to join Cope.
Manong Makgoka from Azapo said politicians were in the council by the will of the people and would leave according to their will as well.
Calvin Masoga from the ANC said the party appreciated the good work done by Mapoulo and Baloyi. Masoga said the two men had left their marks on the council, and they would still part and parcel of the council. There is a time to come and a time to go,” Masoga said.
In conclusion, the council nominated Jack Mokopane Matsau as acting mayor until SACP provincial secretary, Gilbert Kganyago, was officially inaugurated.
