SASOLBURG – Metsimaholo Local Municipality (MLM) witnessed a dramatic political shift on Tuesday, August 01, as Mayor Jeff Zwane was voted out of office by a combination of political parties.
Coalition’s decision to remove Zwane comes after a series of political disagreements and governance challenges in the municipality.
The council sitting held in the hall of the Harry Gwala Multi Purpose Sports Centre was spoiled by protests and accusations of illegality, reflecting the intense emotions surrounding the event.
Outcomes of the special council sitting were sealed when 31 coalition parties led by African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillors cast their votes against Zwane in his absence, effectively ending his term in office.
On the morning of the voting, tensions reached a boiling point outside the council venue as dozens of the above-listed party members protested.
In a significant show of support for the embattled mayor, the Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council, Helen Zille flew into the region to bolster the mayor’s position together with their party members.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and emotions ran high as scores of all supporters filled the hall, singing and chanting, while awaiting the crucial voting outcomes.
DA councillors protested the proceedings, labelling it “an illegal gathering”, leading them to leave the venue.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Zille said: “We are here to protest against the ANC and EFF to remove our mayor and bring down our government because we are standing against corruption. They are trying to strip the municipality of tens of millions of rands. They want to pay it to the person, to whom the money is not owed. We will not sit here and keep quiet about it.”
Zille said they have given the ANC and the EFF notice that this council is illegal and unlawful.
“We waiting for the interdict to be final and they won’t be able to take this R35 million they want to steal from the municipality,” she said.
EFF’s Coach Diphoko said: “It was a well put fight. Councillors displayed care, which shows love for our people. The council is in good hands, and any figure that seeks to come here and take care of white interest now knows Metsimaholo is not the place.”
Fikile Mosokweni said: “We are happy that we are finally here. Since his appointment, Zwane has been taking the powers of the council and making them his. We had issues about corruption pertaining to a security company and asked him to take responsibility and charge officials, but he refused. We are happy with the outcome.”
As the dust settles on this momentous political event, all eyes remain fixed on Metsimaholo’s future, hoping that the new coalition government appoints a suitable mayor.
The council is set to regather in seven days for the selection of the new mayor.
