An inter-branch meeting held at the Social Centre in Galeshewe - amid a heavy police presence - concluded that more space should be given for investigations to unfold and that proper reasons be given for Matika's proposed recall.

The focus is now on a mass community meeting set for Sunday, where community members are to be consulted on the call for Matika to step down.  

The meeting was addressed by ANC provincial secretary, Deshi Ngxanga, who gave details into a series of consultations undertaken with representatives of the community group that advanced the marches and shutdowns that effectively shut Kimberley down last week as the protests turned violent.

ANC Branch leaders cited their dissatisfaction regarding what they deemed to be continued "shifting demands" following the halting of the annual electricity increase of just under six percent, and the R260 tariff structure.

Those that spoke to OFM News outside of the meeting, indicated that headway has been made around electricity charges and with the precautionary suspensions of municipal manager, Goolam Akharwaray, and chief financial officer, Lydia Mahloko, as a result of maladministration allegations being levelled against them.

The investigation process into the two topmost officials was also endorsed but the call for the removal of Matika was snubbed with a sense that widespread mobilisation was unfolding to protect him.

In giving an update through a voice note on Thursday, community leader Tumelo Mosikare explained that Matika's fate shall be decided on Sunday should he not step down now.

Some of the reasons given for his proposed sacking was that he is "arrogant" and had failed to act speedily in giving Akharwaray and Mahloko the chop.

OFM News/Thabo Mothibi