Matjhabeng mayoral inauguration postponed, due to hectic squabbles

Hectic maneuverings are taking surge in the highly contested Matjhabeng municipality, as the council meetings keeps postponing time to time.

Council sittings had to finalise the inauguration of mayor before the nick of time on Tuesday, 23 November, however, hiccups halted the process of the appointment of the mayor .

According to DA’s ward 3 councillor, Maxie Badenhorst, the appointment of the mayor was put on hold, as the ANC has been forced to amend the list of their candidates.

It is further alleged that the former member of parliament Thanduxolo Khalipa has been extolled as the next incoming mayor of Matjhabeng municipality.

“The appointment of the mayor has been placed on ice, as the ANC’s mayoral candidate has not been appointed as the councillor as yet.

“The ruling party haven’t amended the list that they presented to the IEC, and this has placed Khalipa under an invalid number which has to be amended, so he can be elected the councillor before becoming the mayor,” clarified councillor Badenhorst.

“Khalipa was 12th in the list. And this has placed him in the invalid decision to be elected the mayor, this is what has caused a stir to elect him as the mayor,” she added.

However, things got tense, as there was a miscommunication between the elected speaker, Abel Mokhomo, political parties and the IEC.

The elected speaker then proposed to seek legal advise, as the IEC failed to offer a verdict on what decision needs to be taken, however, the DA disputed this action, saying the speaker is in breach of his constituency.

The disruption of the proceedings forced the council to move the meeting to Monday, where the mayor who is believed to be Khalipa will be sworn in.

While parties oppose Khalipa’s appointment, Badenhorst said there are rumours that Khalipa is unable to read and to write.

“There are rumours that Cllr Kalipha cannot read and write. If that is the case it cannot be accepted that he becomes Mayor and the rumors should be laid to rest should it not be true. ,” said Badenhorst.

The meeting to elect the speaker and the mayor, was originally scheduled for Wednesday the 17th, then moved to Thursday 18 November and then it only took place on Monday 22nd of November.

The municipality which incorporates of six townships, has been rated as one of the worst performing municipalities in South Africa.

In an issued statement from Finance department by minister Enoch Godongwana, the municipality will be placed under Section 139 of the Constitution, which means the municipality will be under administration due to its steady-state flows.

“Five distressed Free State municipalities will soon be added to the existing number of municipalities in the province under provincial care,” a letter sent to office of Free State premier Sisi Ntombela read.

“Mangaung, Matjhabeng and Nala Local municipalities have all in recent months had water supply to residents suspended by Bloem Water and Sedibeng Water respectively.

“Potable water supply was restored after payments on the outstanding debts were made. Matjhabeng owes Sedibeng Water R4,4 billion, – plunging the water board in distress and resulting in the delayed payments of salaries,” read the letter.

For this call, the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CogTA) has scheduled to convene a meeting with the council to address deepening issues surrounding the municipality.