According to the Head of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Department, Mokete Duma, the state of Tswelopele as well as Setsoto Local Municipalities - where mayors have been shown the door - is concerning. He says it is a cause for concern that there seem to be growing leadership and governance challenges at these municipalities. 

Answering questions over the role of Cogta in local government before the Public Accounts and Finance Committee on Tuesday, Duma said some of the challenges plaguing municipalities need to be resolved by their council, and not the department as it only oversees them. 

He said the Setsoto Municipality, where the mayor has recently been kicked to the curb and as a result leading to the municipality's failure to pass a draft budget, is a clear example of how political fights in council affect the operation of municipalities.

During a virtual committee sitting, Duma confirmed the department is intervening in these municipalities as well as in many others where there are similar fights.

Following recent Mangaung protests and looming unrests in Matjhabeng, OFM News has reported that Duma confirmed they are engaging with municipalities and protest leaders on issues brought forth, including the alleged lack of sound management at these municipalities.

OFM News