The DA is calling for a by-election in Ga-Nala.

The party asked Minister of Cooperative Governance, Velenkosini Hlabisa, to intervene urgently and compel the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to declare two critical ward vacancies, where by-elections are long overdue.

For Emalahleni Local Municipality, Ward 26 is up for grabs.

The elected ward councillor, Bongani Twhala, was arrested in May 2023 for attempted rape and housebreaking.

Only recently, the municipality wrote to the powers to be to suspend his salary.

DA Caucus Leader: Mpumalanga Legislature, Bosman Grobler said, “Residents have suffered due to the absence of their elected ward councillors. These wards have been left abandoned as service delivery collapses.”

He added, “According to the Municipal Structures Act, when a councillor resigns, goes missing, is expelled, or is incapacitated, the council must declare a vacancy in consultation with the MEC, ensuring that a by-election is held within 90 days.”

In the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Ward 14 councillor Jabu Zwane resigned on May 28.

Bosman said the ANC-led municipality still refuses to accept his resignation.

The Emalahleni Local Municipality was asked for comment, but nothing was received.

Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter,  Instagram or TikTok