HIGHVELD – The Democratic Alliance is not backing down with its intentions to oust Ms Thandi Ngxonono from her position as the executive mayor.
The party is planning to submit a motion of no confidence against the mayor and claim that the Municipality has become one of the 10 highest debtors to Eskom under her leadership.
The DA is banking on the support of the other opposition parties including the Sakhisizwe Progressive Movement (Sapromo), Economic Freedom Fighters and the VF+.
The party will table the motion in the next council meeting on Wednesday, 27 February.
The DA accused Ms Ngxonono of being complacent about the Eskom debt which has escalated to over R1-billion.
Ms Ciska Jordaan, DA caucus leader, said besides the Eskom debt, the municipality has been named as one of the 84 distressed municipalities across South Africa.
“It was under her leadership as member of mayoral committee (MMC) of the finance department that the municipality has become completely incompetent in performing its function of generating revenue.
“Even today, more than a year later, the municipality struggles to provide accurate bills to residents and generate adequate revenue.
“This has inevitably led to increase in overall debt of the municipality. Our debts are continuously rising,” said Ms Jordaan.
“According to the most recent reports, the Eskom and Rand Water debt has collectively accumulated to nearly R2-billion.
“Section 56 of the Municipal Structures Act stipulates that an Executive Mayor should (3) (e) oversee the provision of services to communities in the municipality in a sustainable manner. Ms Ngxonono has numerously and consistently contravened this very important mandate.
“For almost a year, refuse removal was totally inconsistent.
The electricity crisis in eMbalenhle continues with no sustainable solution,” concluded Ms Jordaan.
Mr Sibusiso Hlolweni, spokesman for Sapromo, said his party will support the motion and that Ms Ngxonono is costing locals a lot.
“We have been saying that she is incompetent and not fit for the office of being a mayor.
“She needs to be investigated because a lot is not going well in our municipality.
“Ms Ngxonono must leave for the benefits of the residents and the improvement of service delivery.”
Mr Thabiso Mofokeng, EFF spokesman, said his party is a hundred per cent behind the removal of the mayor.
He alleged that though they are receiving death threats, they are going on with their intention to remove Ms Ngxonono.
“Money was looted on her watch while she was MMC for Finance.
“Criminals who were involved in looting are walking free.
“The mayor must vacate the office.
“We are also seeking legal advice to ensure that the Mr Nhlanipho Zuma does not manipulate the system again.”
