By Thabo Mosia
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillors were forcibly removed from a Mahikeng Local Municipality council meeting on 30 September 2024. This follows allegations of corruption and nepotism involving a R100 million tender scandal that has implicated key municipal officials, including the Municipal Manager, the Manager in the Office of the Mayor, and the Executive Mayor.
According to Semphete Matsheka, the EFF’s Ngaka Modiri Molema Regional Spokesperson, the councillors were unlawfully and violently ejected while performing their constitutional duty to hold municipal officials accountable for the alleged misconduct. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the municipality and added to the rising tensions between the EFF, the ANC, and the DA, further exposing the cracks within local governance in Mahikeng.
EFF’s Stance: Accountability for Corruption
The EFF caucus in Mahikeng submitted a motion without prior notice to the Speaker’s office, citing Rule 52(1) of the council’s standing rules, which allows councillors to place matters on the council’s agenda. This motion requested an immediate and comprehensive report from the Municipal Manager, in line with Rule 36, which guarantees councillors the right to access critical information on matters affecting governance.
Matsheka condemned the actions of the municipal leadership, describing the forceful removal of EFF councillors as a blatant abuse of power and an unconstitutional suppression of opposition. The EFF has assured the residents of Mahikeng that they will continue to hold municipal officials accountable and ensure that transparency is upheld within the local government.
DA’s Objection: An Irregular Meeting and Quorum Dispute
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the council meeting. In a letter addressed to Speaker Gago Mathe, DA Caucus Whip Cllr Neo Mabote pointed out that the meeting failed to meet quorum requirements as stipulated under Rule 39 (2) of the Standing Rules and Orders of Mahikeng Local Municipality.
The DA argued that, following the ejection of the EFF councillors, the remaining members did not constitute a quorum, rendering the meeting and any resolutions passed therein illegal. The party attempted to present a notice of motion to suspend the Municipal Manager, Advocate Dineo Mongwaketse, due to allegations of corruption. However, the Acting Speaker, Cllr Mpho Phuthego, refused to recuse the Municipal Manager, which led to further disruptions and the eventual forceful removal of the EFF councillors.
Rule 39: The Heart of the Quorum Controversy
According to Rule 39 of the Mahikeng Local Municipality’s Standing Rules and Orders, a meeting must be adjourned if there is no quorum within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. If, at any point during the meeting, it is suspected that quorum is not present, the chairperson is required to stop the proceedings, verify the number of councillors present, and then instruct the Municipal Manager to ring the bell for one minute. If a quorum is not restored within five minutes, the meeting must be adjourned immediately.
The DA maintains that Rule 39 was clearly violated during the 30 September 2024 council meeting. Despite repeated calls for the Acting Speaker to verify quorum, the meeting continued unlawfully, leaving the DA with no choice but to demand that the meeting be declared null and void .
ANC’s Role in the Dispute
The African National Congress (ANC) has found itself at the centre of this political storm, with the party’s leaders being accused of ignoring the rule of law and allowing irregularities to persist within the Mahikeng council. Mayor Mphehlo and ANC Chief Whip Cllr Ansie Moeti have come under fire for failing to intervene when the meeting descended into chaos. The DA has accused the ANC of protecting the Municipal Manager and other officials implicated in the R100 million tender scandal, further deepening suspicions of corruption within the municipality.
The DA has since escalated the matter to the Member of the North West Provincial Legislature, CJ Steyl, urging the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gaoage Molapisi, to intervene. They have called for an investigation into the council meeting and for the decisions taken therein to be nullified.
Corruption Allegations and the R100 Million Tender Scandal
The allegations of corruption in Mahikeng revolve around a R100 million tender that is reported to have been awarded under questionable circumstances. Municipal officials, including the Municipal Manager and the Executive Mayor, are accused of nepotism and financial mismanagement. The EFF and DA have both expressed outrage over the lack of transparency and accountability in handling the matter.
The EFF’s motion called for the suspension of the Municipal Manager and a thorough investigation into the allegations, but their removal from the meeting prevented any meaningful discussion from taking place. The DA has echoed these calls, stating that the ANC’s refusal to allow an investigation into the matter highlights a culture of impunity within the municipality.
Public Reaction and the Way Forward
The dramatic ejection of the EFF councillors and the ongoing tensions between the parties have sparked widespread public debate about the governance issues facing Mahikeng Local Municipality. Residents have expressed frustration with the apparent lack of accountability, with many calling for immediate investigations into the corruption allegations.
The EFF has pledged to continue pushing for transparency and accountability, vowing to take legal action if necessary to address the alleged corruption. The DA, meanwhile, remains firm in its demand for the meeting to be declared illegal and for a fresh council meeting to be convened in accordance with the municipality’s standing rules.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate