ANC loots electricity for its birthday celebrations – mayor of Kgatelopele must pay up
by Cllr Christopher Phiri – DA Whip Sol Plaatje Municipality
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Date: 19 July 2018
Release: Immediate
On Monday, 23 July 2018, the DA will submit a formal request to the Acting Speaker for a Special Council Meeting to take place in an attempt to address the community’s demands in as far as the removal of Mayor Mangaliso Matika is concerned. The Structures Act clearly states that if the majority of councillors request such a meeting, then the Speaker of the day must call this meeting.
The DA will lobby other Opposition Parties to ensure that the meeting materializes and that the Mayor is removed through a motion of exigency on Monday.
It is clear that Matika’s popularity has waned, even in the ranks of his own ANC. This is not surprising given the state of turmoil that Matika has plunged this city into.
Matika has tried to dodge the bullet by taking action against the former Municipal Manger, Goolam Akharwaray, and Chief Financial Officer, Lydia Mahloko. He thought that if he diverted attention away from his own failures, that he could save himself. But he can’t – he has long ago shown the people of Kimberley his true colours and he too must go.
Under Matika, service delivery has been skewed to win votes instead of addressing the needs of the greater Kimberley community. Under Matika, service delivery has declined and corruption has increased. Under Matika, Sol Plaatje has become dysfunctional.
Matika has failed dismally to address the grievances of the community members, especially those that relate specifically to allegations of misconduct by senior managers. He ignored regulations that state that he should have notified Council of such allegations within seven days and in so doing, he has become the master of his own downfall.
Unrest in Kimberley has spiraled out of control and criminal elements wreaked havoc on city businesses. All this could have been avoided if Matika was responsive to the needs of the community.
The DA has been calling for some time for Matika to pack his bags. We previously tabled a Motion of No Confidence against him but this was set aside by the Matika camp at an illegal Council meeting of 13 June 2018, that was not attended by the DA.
The DA has also marched in protest of Sol Plaatje’s lack of community consultation and unfair tariff increases.
We will continue to make our voices heard in the fight for proper governance in the affairs of Sol Plaatje. This is the very least that all the people of Kimberley deserve.
Under a DA-led government, we would ensure that Sol Plaatje is managed by an honest and competent leadership, that at all times does what is best for the people of Kimberley.
Media Enquiries
Cllr Christopher Phiri
DA Whip Sol Plaatje Municipality
078 740 9930
Shelley De Witt
Researcher
082 847 1387
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