Residents demand councillor’s removal
Residents threaten to seek accommodation with the Waterberg District Municipality if their demand is not met
LIIMPOPO – Residents of Malebitsa and Driefontein embarked on a protest march to the Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality offices in Marble Hall last Wednesday morning, demanding the removal of ward councillor, Maria Aphane.
The protesters claim Aphane was not their ward councillor of choice ahead of the Local Government Election in August. They allege Aphane is not a suitable ward councillor since she was a pensioner and allegedly involved in numerous scandals involving community projects.
Charles Mothemane, a community leader, says Aphane was third on the nominations list and they were angered when she was elected as ward councillor.
“We have been writing letters to the municipality and the region with regard to the issue without successful intervention. We are here to make the municipality aware of the seriousness of the matter. We don’t want the ward councillor who has been imposed on us,” Mothemane said.
“We don’t want her as ward councillor. The municipality is undermining local traditional leaders who have sent them letters on the issue. If they don’t attend to our matter we are going to seek accommodation in Waterberg District Municipality,” he continues.
Jan Phasha, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality Spokesperson, said the municipality was aware of the letters sent to them.
“We have had discussions with them and clarified that we as the municipality are not responsible for ward councillors. We receive a list of elected ward councillors from the IEC. However, we have received a memorandum and we will respond to their demands through the relevant offices,” Phasha said.
Aphane could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.
