Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Ronald Matlholoa
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ditsobotla is calling on Administrator, Mr Kopung Ralikontsane, to urgently address the unlawful executive salaries paid to Cllr Molefe Morutse and Cllr Manana Bogatsu since the illegitimate parallel Council meeting held on 5 March 2025 in Mahikeng.
That meeting, which unlawfully elected a Mayor and Speaker, was vindicated as illegitimate following the first legitimate Council meeting held on Tuesday, 23 September 2025.
The DA has consistently maintained that the March meeting was unlawful and that all benefits received by those purporting to hold executive authority since then must be repaid to the municipality.
We will also be engaging the Administrator for clarity on the legitimacy of the Municipal Manager, Oloatse Bojosinyane, as this matter was not addressed by Council.
While Ditsobotla remains under Section 139(7) national government administration, it is the Administrator who retains all executive authority. The DA will continue to press for accountability and the reversal of all unlawful financial gains obtained at the expense of residents.
Cllr Molefe Morutse was elected as Mayor and Cllr Manana Bogatsu as Speaker. The DA Caucus contested the Speaker position by nominating Cllr Ronald Matlholoa. In the election, Bogatsu received 36 votes while Matlholoa secured 6 votes. The ANC and all other opposition parties voted in support of Bogatsu.
Administrator Ralikontsane must now focus on stabilising service delivery, particularly the supply of water and electricity, while driving investigations into fraud, corruption, and maladministration. Strengthening internal controls will be key to ensuring accountability and consequence management.
The DA Caucus in Ditsobotla remains resolute in our commitment to fight for residents. We will continue to work with the Administrator to restore stability, improve governance, and ensure that residents finally receive the quality services they deserve.