Groups of ANC-supporters congregated in front of the Standerton Town Hall from early Thursday, 27 February, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the provincial executive committee’s discussions in the council chamber.
The dust has not settled around the removal and subsequent undemocratic reinstatement of the mayor and speaker of the Lekwa Municipality, which the Standerton Advertiser covered extensively.
The newspaper was shooed away by one woman and one man said they are prepared to stay the night.
A rumour then surfaced about two camps present, one in favour of bringing back Mr Linda Dhlamini and Ms Makhosazana Khota, and the other supporting the DA’s motion of no confidence in the two officials.
The area in Mbonani Mayisela Street was cordoned off with a noticeable police presence at 2pm.
Attempts were made to ascertain the status of the Lekwa leadership, firstly by contacting the communications manager of the municipality, asking whether Mr Dhlamini was prepared to issue a press release.
Ms Mtshiselwa said the political nature of the question should be answered by the regional spokesman of the ANC.
After three calls on Friday, 28 February a message was left with the secretary of the region. Another WhatsApp-message was sent to Ms Mtshiselwa the same day about an unconfirmed rumour that a special council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, 3 March.
Also read:
https://standertonadvertiser.co.za/101288/da-supplies-background-removal-speaker-mayor/
Ms Mtshiselwa replied over the weekend that she would confirm the date of the special meeting on Monday, 2 March. No answer was received at the time of going to print.
According to a source, a motion would have been proposed for the mayor and speaker to resume duties again.
A quick visit to the ANC’s parliamentary constituency office in Kerk Street proved futile, since it was locked at 11.55am.
Ms Sithi Silosini, PR-councillor of the DA, issued a press release on 28 February about re-appointments.
According to statement, the DA learnt on 27 February that the ANC-caucus was ordered to re-elect the mayor and speaker.
“The provincial executive committee has no decision-making powers in the Lekwa council,” Ms Silosini said.
“This decision is a blatant and clear indication that the ANC only cares about the ANC and not the people who continue to suffer at the hands of the current administration, that is failing dismally at service delivery and the running of the municipality.
“The current state of the town is testament to how incapable the mayor and speaker are of delivering services.”
The statement went on to say that it is shocking that President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Standerton on Sunday, 23 February, but failed to address issues of the municipality.
Ms Silosini concluded firstly by voicing the DA’s disapproval and added the party does not support the decision to reinstate the mayor and speaker.
“The DA calls on the MEC of CoGTA, Mr Mandla Msibi, to urgently release the section 106 investigation report, that was requested in council, to probe alleged corruption and maladministration.”
Also read:
https://standertonadvertiser.co.za/101151/lekwa-mayor-speaker-reinstated/
