Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Cllr Neo Mabote
The Democratic Alliance (DA) strongly condemns the ANC factional battles in Mahikeng Local Municipality (MLM), which continue to sow confusion, disrupt governance, and betray the residents of Mahikeng.
Yesterday, 5 May 2025, the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) convened a public participation meeting at the Mmabatho Civic Centre to deliberate on proposed ward delimitations. However, in a clear act of defiance, the Speaker of Council, Cllr Gagoangwe Mathe, issued a conflicting notice and convened a parallel meeting at the Lonely Park Multipurpose Centre, despite formal authorisation designating the Civic Centre as the sole venue.
This resulted in two competing gatherings. While the Executive Mayor, Cllr Tshepiso Mphehlo; the Single Whip of Council, Cllr Monametsi Moeti; and the Municipal Manager, Mrs Dineo Mongwaketse, honoured the MDB meeting at the Civic Centre, the Speaker refused to cancel the Lonely Park gathering, even after being instructed to do so. As a result, community members were left stranded, confused, and disenfranchised.
This is yet another instance where ANC infighting is undermining the work of the municipality and even affecting external stakeholders, following similar incidents involving the Public Protector and the Auditor-General. These power struggles have paralysed service delivery and collapsed governance in Mahikeng.
The DA will submit formal requests for detailed information on all expenditure incurred for both conflicting events, with the intention of identifying any instances of fruitless and wasteful expenditure. Should such expenditure be uncovered, we will call for full accountability and consequence management in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), including disciplinary action against officials and political office-bearers responsible for authorising unnecessary spending.
The DA reiterates that the only solution to end this dysfunction is for residents to vote out the failing ANC government and elect a DA-led administration that prioritises accountability, service delivery, and good governance.