POLOKWANE – A motion of no confidence in Mayor John Mpe was debated during a recent Polokwane municipal council meeting but failed to secure any supporting votes and was subsequently dismissed.

Read more: DA tables motion of no confidence in Polokwane mayor John Mpe

According to municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala, the motion “lacked substance” and did not reflect the progress achieved under the current administration.

Selala highlighted the mayor’s achievements, including strategic land allocations enabling major infrastructure and investment projects such as the Limpopo Central Hospital, Provincial Arts Theatre, Greenery Shopping Centre, a new psychiatric hospital and expansions at the University of Limpopo and Tshwane University of Technology.

He added that construction has commenced on a Hilton Hotel in the Green Arch precinct, which will bolster Polokwane’s economic and hospitality sectors.

The DA, however, challenged the outcome.

Caucus leader Johan Retters accused speaker Welhemina Modiba of procedural impropriety, claiming that the DA was denied fair debate and the opportunity for a secret ballot.

Retters said the motion, which cited service delivery challenges and allegations of corruption against Mpe, was “gagged” by the speaker, who is said to have recognised only ANC councillors during proceedings.

“This rigged setback will not deter the DA from exposing the persistent water crisis and maladministration in Polokwane. We remain committed to democratic processes and to ensuring that the people are served by a government that is transparent and accountable,” Retters said.