Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Setswana by Cllr Neo Mabote.
The DA is disappointed in the Mahikeng Local Municipality’s failure to investigate the circumstances surrounding the two municipal vehicle accidents implicating the Speaker, Cllr Cllr Gagoangwe Mathe.
A motion was proposed to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the two incidents, as adopted by Council on 28 February 2023. It now appears that the adopted Council resolution to investigate the matter is being undermined and was only a smokescreen attempt at accountability. Since the adoption of the resolution, the Ad Hoc Committee has failed to convene its inaugural meeting to elect a Chairperson and consider the parameters of the investigation.
This is in direct violation of the Mahikeng Council’s Standing Rules and Order of Council which states that a report must be provided and submitted to Council within 21 days after the Committee’s establishment.
The ANC has once again shown unequivocally that they have no sense of accountability. The ANC will do whatever it takes to defend their comrades at the expense of residents.
This is standard ANC behaviour – spending taxpayer money on luxuries and then abusing public funds to cover up their own mess instead of delivering quality services to people.
The DA will now report the matter to the Public Protector requesting her to investigate the two accidents by the Speaker while driving municipal vehicles since all internal Council avenues we have pursued have been brought to naught by the ANC majority. We will not relent and will ensure that every mechanism at our disposal to identify any abuse of power and public resources result in disciplinary action against Speaker Mathe or any officials implicated.