The municipality held a Special Council Sitting after it has been without a mayor for more than a month. The position became vacant following the resignation of Mangaliso Matika. Matika, who is now a member of the Northern Cape Legislature, tendered his resignation following months of service delivery protests and calls for his removal. 63 councillors were expected to vote through a secret ballot.

OFM News previously reported that opposition parties in the province demand that whoever takes over the reins must ensure that there is adequate service delivery.

The DA’s Andrew Louw told OFM News that the former mayor of this municipality, Mangaliso Matika, must still be held accountable for corruption allegations levelled against him during his tenure despite now being a member of the legislature. He said the Sol Plaatje Municipality has gone into a state of disarray under his leadership, with the community bearing the brunt of the lack of services.

Louw said the city of Kimberley has for years been engulfed by the stench of raw sewage running in their back yards, lack of basic services and Matika did nothing for the city but enrich himself and his cronies.

OFM News