Removal of Taung Mayor just ANC factional battles playing out

Issued by Cllr Lesego Maila – DA Councillor: Greater Taung Local Municipality
14 Apr 2021 in Press Statements

Yesterday, Greater Taung Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Kgosi Nnyoko Charles Motlhabane, was removed through a motion of no confidence. The newly elected Mayor is Cllr Oageng Seleke, who was Chairperson for the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC).

The motion was submitted by the EFF to the Municipal Speaker, Cllr Ebusang Tladi, who informed councillors that according to Section 28 of the Municipal Structures Act if a motion is not opposed then it can be passed without being debated or discussed.

The DA tried to raise concerns regarding this procedure and the legal ramification that may follow if proper steps are not followed. Our concerns were ignored by the Speaker.

Cllr Motlhabane was removed as Mayor but will remain a member of the Executive Committee receiving the salary and full benefits.

Although the DA welcomes the removal of Mayor Motlhabane, the DA knows that this will not bring any significant improvement to service delivery or restore financial accountability.

Mayor Motlhabane’s removal is yet another example of the ANC’s factional and internal battles playing themselves out at the expense of residents.

The election of Mayor Seleke will bring no real change. Cllr Seleke has presided over MPAC but failed to ensure oversight and accountability against financial irregularities that is so rife in the municipality.

The truth is voting out one ANC Mayor and replacing him with another will further worsen the service delivery crisis that plagues the municipality.

In order to bring real change that will restore financial accountability, root out corruption and bring quality service delivery, the people of Taung must reject the ANC during this year’s election. The DA is the only party with a track record and capability to bring real change.