Thanduxolo Khalipha was found guilty of common assault and two counts of crimen injuria by the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on Friday (1/11).

Cosatu Provincial Secretary General Tiisetso Mahlatsi said they’re satisfied with the court’s ruling and reiterated their stance that Khalipha should be dismissed.

“Of course, we are happy about the outcome because it confirms the workers’ complaints about the bullying and negative attitude the mayor has displayed towards them,” said Mahlatsi, adding that the ANC leadership often sided with Khalipha, ignoring workers’ concerns.

The verdict validates what workers and union representatives, including municipal workers union Samwu, have been saying about Khalipha’s behavior, he added and accused Khalipha’ of displaying the same “arrogance” that workers experienced during his court testimony.

“Now the ball is in the hands of the ANC to take decisive action. The mayor of Matjhabeng must be removed. If he’s not removed, we’re going to make the municipality ungovernable until Khalipha leaves.”

The federation will write to the ANC to call for an urgent meeting with provincial leadership to address the situation. Khalipha, who’s on “step-aside” status as mandated by the party’s provincial executive committee, continues to maintain he’s being targeted politically.

Following the Welkom-based council’s decision to withdraw his municipal assets during his suspension, Khalipha publicly vowed to appeal the court’s verdict, labelling it evidence of a concerted effort against him.

His sentencing hearing at the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court is scheduled for December 12.

The tension in Matjhabeng mirrors similar struggles in other Free State municipalities. Workers have also raised grievances against Masilonyana Mayor Dimakatso Modise, though ANC provincial leadership has stated that most issues raised by the workers there fall outside the purview of her duties.

 OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh