Speelman, whose name is at the helm of the protests with residents calling for his head, says communities have the right to protest and voice their concerns. He tells OFM News whilst it is their constitutional right to protests, it does not justify destructive behaviour and damage to property. 

Speelman, in an exclusive interview with OFM News, confirms he has noted that some of the residents are calling for him to vacate office, but views this as unjustifiable. He says they accuse him of being “unavailable” and for the lack of service delivery, whilst the municipality under his leadership has improved service provision tremendously despite grappling with revenue collection due to non-payment of services by the residents.

OFM News has previously reported that Matjhabeng residents embarked on protest actions since the end of May, calling for the removal of Speelman.

The Matjhabeng Community Foundation, who are the organisers of several marches that took place in Matjhabeng, said residents would like to see Speelman leave office amidst corruption allegations and the lack of service delivery in Welkom, Allanridge, Hennenman and Odendaalsrus, amongst others.

Speelman is also accused of the members of mayoral committees' (MMCs) failure to perform duties, with residents stating that he fails to play his oversight role.

OFM News