DA calls on the ANC to clarify the position of the JB Marks Mayor Kgotso Khumalo

Issued by Cllr Hans Jurie Moolman – DA Caucus Leader: JB Marks Local Municipality
07 May 2021 in Press Statements

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in JB Marks Local Municipality calls on the ANC to clarify the position of Executive Mayor Kgotso Khumalo in terms of the Local Government Municipal Structure’s Act which states that a vacancy in the position of the Mayor requires Council to convene a meeting to fill the vacancy.

Mayor Khumalo has reportedly resigned following orders from the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) which requires members facing criminal charges to step aside.

Mayor Khumalo is currently on trial for theft and fraud.

JB Marks Local Municipality is currently in limbo because of the repeated allegations that the Mayor has resigned from his position but there is no clear mandate or communication as to when a Council meeting will be held to elect a new Mayor.

The Mayor’s resignation also and automatically causes vacancies in the offices of the respective Members of the Mayoral Committee in the various departments. This effectively leaves the departments without day to day political oversight.

The DA calls on the ANC in JB Marks Municipality to take responsibility and clarify the position of the Executive Mayor and his Mayoral Committee to avoid further instability and uncertainty.

Although the DA welcomes the resignation of Mayor Khumalo, the truth is JB Marks Local Municipality requires a leadership change. On 27 October 2021, the people of JB Marks will have a chance to vote out the failing ANC government and vote in a DA-led government that will uproot corruption and speed up service delivery.