On Thursday 15 September 2022, Premier Bushy Maape and Cooperative Governance MEC Lenah Miga, and other members of the Executive Council (Exco), decided to dissolve the municipal council of the Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality.

ALSO READ: Troubled North West municipal council dissolved

The provincial government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung, has confirmed that the provincial government has been served by the municipality’s council. 

According to a court document seen by OFM News, the council sat on 19 September 2022 and expressed its concern about the fact that the decision to dissolve the council was allegedly taken on incorrect facts and thus premature. In this court application by the council, it says it will also seek an order compelling the National Treasury to release the equitable share freeing up funds for the necessary service delivery. The Ditsobotla Local Municipal Council also resolved to approach the Court to compel the Provincial and National Treasury to release the equitable share freeing up funds for the necessary service delivery.

At least R300 million of a conditional grant meant for a troubled North West municipality is being withheld by the National Government.

ALSO READ: North West municipality’s R300m grant withheld

“The Council has resolved its internal strife and a united council was re-established on 2 September 2022 with one mayor, Cllr Mokgothu, one Speaker, Cllr Lekaba, one Council Whip, Cllr Monchojang, and one Acting Municipal Manager, Mr T Shema. A request for a seconded acting Municipal Manager from NWPG was made. The nominated seconded candidate was, however, not accepted by the council due to a lack of experience. The council requested another candidate and at the same time requested, in terms of section 154 of the Constitution, for further assistance with a team of experts in finance, infrastructure, planning and development and legal advice to be made available,” council says in a statement.

According to Setswambung, the municipality was placed under the provincial government’s care after all interventions failed to restore stability in the municipality, resulting in the total collapse of systems. The municipality had two mayors and two municipal managers (MM), with the council allegedly divided. Setswambung says the trouble at this municipality also resulted in it failing to discharge its constitutional obligation and legislative mandate.

In February, the MEC for Cooperative Governance (Cogta), Lenah Miga, criticised the mayor for allegedly appointing a municipal manager (MM) of his own accord. Miga, in a statement, accused the mayor of contravening the Municipal Systems Act 2000 by appointing an acting Municipal Manager without a council resolution.

ALSO READ: MEC talks tough against ailing municipality

OFM News has sought the comment of the mayor and speaker to no success.

OFM News