Matjhabeng Shutdown: Calls for Mayor Speelman to step down

The embattled Matjhabeng Mayor, Nkosinjani Speelman has been called on to step down from his duties, this follows after townships within the municipality went on a pinwheel total shutdown.

On Monday, 31 March 2021, scores of demonstrators marched from Thabong Community Hall to the Matjhabeng Municipal Offices, where a memorandum of demands was handed over to the Speaker of Matjhabeng Council and representatives from the office of the Premier in Free State Provincial government.

According to Shima Mahlatsi, Secretary for Matjhabeng Community Foundation, reprise calls for Speelman to step down are driven by his inability to facilitate development within the overwhelmed municipality.

“There are valid reasons why we want Speelman to step down. He has failed in his duties to offer good service delivery in Welkom, Odendaalsrus, Allanridge, Virginia and Hennema,” stressed Mahlatsi.

“Our municipality is bankrupt due to lack of leadership, we want change in our townships,” he added.

Amongst other key issues raised included of high rate of unemployment, cadre deployment in municipal offices and billions owed to service providers.

However, another group defended Mayor Speelman, by calling those demonstrating as a faction that is pushing the agenda to oust the Mayor for their own personal gains.

During an interview with local community radio station, The Rock FM, Mayor Nkonsinjani Speelman said the strike is orchestrated by civilians who are fighting for political gains, so they can benefit.

He further cited that it is fictitious that outsiders are offered job opportunities and tenders.

When asked about poor service delivery in the municipality, Mayor Speelman said although service delivery is the issue facing the entire country, his administration tries by its level best to prioritize it, but there’s act of sabotage by some members of the community.