By Thys Khiba – The Free State Matjhabeng Local Municipality is expected to have their first Special Council meeting on Monday as their Premier Sisi Ntombela will be delivering the State Of The Province (SOPA) at Dr. Molemela Indoor Sports Centre.
This comes after they have confirmed that Council Chambers, Civic Centre in Welkom will be used as the venue for their special meeting.
According to the MMC for Community Services and Public Safety, Tlake Rubben Khoarai, having the two events on the same as the leadership of the province it doesn’t appear very well in the public.
“I cannot speak on the behalf of the municipality. The leadership must correct it, it doesn’t appear very well. It is my belief to say that for me it doesn’t appear well, that’s my view. I got an invitation from the office of the Premier,” said Khoarai.
Khoarai confirmed that he is attending the SOPA due to the fact he wants to hear about the progress and challenges of his province. He is hoping that the municipal event will be postponed by the office of the speaker in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
On social media Khoarai said “The truth is as Matjhabeng we are ill discipline, that Council was supposed to be postpone…”
After earning the first position as the top-performing province of 2021 matric results, Ntombela is expected to outline her plans for the province and highlight the province’s notable success.
In the challenges faced by the province, Ntombela is expected to speak a Free State municipality which owes Sedibeng Water over R4,4 billion of the R7 billion debt owed by municipalities in the Free State.
The Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Ntombizanele Sifuba confirmed they are excited to be able to have a SOPA that is open to the public, however, only 800 guests will be allowed in the venue.
“The media will also be keeping the public informed on what will be happening inside the venue. Our job is also includes involving the public in whatever we do, so we cannot just do things without them being present because we are not representing ourselves but them. We would like to hear the public’s thoughts as much as possible,” said Sifuba.
Free State Central News tried to get a comment from the office of the premier but that was unsuccessful.
This is a developing story.
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