MOKOPANE – EVEN though the ANC emerged victorious in all 13 by-elections held some weeks ago, infighting between two ANC leaders, Thlalifi Mashamaite and Malose Mabuela, for mayorship, continues.
The new councillors, led by Mashamaite, occupied the offices of the Mogalakwena Municipality, in defiance of a Northern Gauteng court order that disallowed them entry to the premises.
Despite the court order, Mashamaite and his cohorts were ushered into the council chambers by police officials after they were sworn in at a different venue last Thursday.
Mabuela and the 22 councillors who were expelled, as well as spokesperson Malesela Selokela, remained on the outside of the building.
CV tried to contact the police to find out why they did not heed the court order, but by the time of going to print, police spokespersons were unavailable for comment. CV will offer the police the opportunity to respond in a follow-up article.
Service delivery was also a concern for the DA, as well as residents. DA Limpopo leader, Jacques Smalle, said the chaos in Mogalakwena was a reminder that it was the responsibility of each South African to guard against any abuse of power.
“The current political infighting has left service delivery paralysed. We urge the ANC to respect our democracy and the Constitution. The people deserve much better than being cannon fodder in the ANC’s political battles,” Smalle said.
ANC Waterberg regional secretary, Tollie Mashamaite, said it was imperative that the situation went back to normal as soon as possible, as the new councillors had been sworn in, and it should be business as usual from now on.
