Khalipha, who was sidelined for months following his criminal conviction, returned to office last week, sparking outrage among municipal employees. He was found guilty of one count of assault and two counts of crimen injuria for physically attacking his own bodyguard.

Samwu provincial secretary Thabang Tseuoa condemned the ANC’s decision, saying it defied the party’s resolutions and ignored overwhelming evidence of Khalipha’s criminality, corruption, and disregard for workers’ rights.

“This is not merely inconsistent – it’s a deliberate assault on justice, a reward for lawlessness, and a betrayal of every worker and resident who endured Khalipha’s tyrannical reign,” said Tseuoa.

He stressed the union’s objection is not politically motivated but based on a documented history of misconduct. Last year, Khalipha was convicted in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court for assaulting a municipal worker assigned to protect him.

Although ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula previously said Khalipha’s future was under national review, workers believe political expediency has trumped justice.

Tseuoa painted a bleak picture of Khalipha’s previous term, citing reckless spending – including the procurement of a defunct second-hand vehicle fleet – while residents suffered through water shortages, blackouts, and uncollected waste. He further alleged that Khalipha oversaw a rogue unit and was linked to missing municipal firearms – matters the ANC has failed to investigate.

Tseuoa also questioned the inconsistency in ANC disciplinary action, comparing Khalipha’s reinstatement to the removal of Mohokare Mayor Zingiswa Mgawuli for financial mismanagement.

He warned Khalipha’s return could derail the Section 139 Financial Recovery Plan meant to rescue Matjhabeng from collapse, and that municipal workers are bearing the brunt through unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions, and ongoing humiliation.

Samwu demands:

• Khalipha’s permanent removal in line with ANC PEC resolutions;
• criminal prosecution for fraud and Municipal Finance Management Act violations;
• independent forensic audits into the rogue unit, missing firearms, and tenders awarded under his leadership; public release of audit findings;
• compensation for lost wages during strikes under his leadership; and
• uniform application of the ANC’s step-aside rule.
  
  OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi