By Obakeng Maje

Tlokwe-The Democratic Alliance Monday decided not to attend a Tlokwe Special Council hastily convened by the speaker.

DA said the only purpose of the Council meeting was to table a report by the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs on her “investigations” into allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption which led to the two motions of no-confidence in the former Executive Mayor, Maphetle Maphetle.

“We deny that a proper investigation has taken place and that all interested parties have been consulted by the MEC’s investigative team” said the Public Accounts Chairperson and DA Caucus whip Cllr. Neels Coetzer. 

The DA said the attempt by the MEC to first announce the findings of this controversial investigation during a special media conference (failed) onThursday, then to request the Speaker to convene a Special Council meeting two days befor the Tlokwe by-elections, are opportunistic steps just before the elections and attempts to whitewash allegations against the former mayor.

“Since the matter is still being investigated by the Hawks and the Public Protector, the matter remains sub judice and therefore the council may not discuss and make decisions on the conduct of Mr. Maphetle” said Cllr Hans-Jurie Moolman, DA Caucus Chairperson.

They further pointed out that the speaker does not have the authority to convene a special meeting, unless requested to do so by the mayor or a majority of the Council. Neither of which happened in this case.

The postponedment of the Special Council meeting to Friday, after the Council failed to quorate this morning, is also in jeopardy because the Speaker’s assumption that the ANC will have a majority after Wednesday’s by-elections. 

The continuation of the by-elections in at least some of the wards will be decided by the Electoral Court (On Tuesday?) when it will be hearing evidence in the application of the Independent Candidates to have the By-elections postponed.

Motions of no confidence in the DA Mayor, prof. Annette Combrink, and the ANC speaker, Ms. Barei Segotso appear on the agenda of a continuation meeting of the Council where it is expected to be dealt with when clarity is reached who is in control of the Tlokwe Municipality.

The DA is keen that the issue to be resolved and those urgent matters are attended to. But in all cases, within the law and the city’s rules.-TDN

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