
By Obakeng Maje
Matlapaneng- The community of Matlapaneng village, near Taung packed their tribal Hall on Friday in a quest to dethrone the reigning ward councillor,
Kedumetse “Sephonono” Tyalimpi.
The community members in conjunction with Matlapaneng Youth Forum accused the councillor of unacceptable level of incompetence.
Amongst other issues which they have raised as a ground for their stance is the slow pace at which she responds to the issues affecting the community.
The community members said they have applied for toilets to be built
in their yards, but in some houses, listed as recipients, there are no
toilets at all.
“We are sick and tired of the ward councillor’s behavior towards the
community. We have water problem, toilets issue. We have a newly-built
community hall, but we cannot use it. Some of the residents applied
for the toilets, but were intentionally ignored even though their
names were on the list as recipients” added Modise Lebitsi, who is a
chairperson of Matlapaneng Youth Forum.
He said the community is facing a water crisis and high mast lights
have not worked despite being install more than five years ago.
“Our councillor is not doing anything regarding our daily issues and
she does not co-operate with us. We want our village to be developed,
so we will not tolerate any poor service delivery from those who are
in power” Lebitsi said.
The community agreed that Tyalimpi must go and the local chief, Mme
Keatlaretse Mankuroane shared the same sentiments. “If the community
want to depose the councillor, we will support the motion. As the
Tribal Authority, I suppose we need to work together with the
community. We had some issues with our councillor in the past
regarding her not inviting us into meetings especially when there are
new projects in the area” she said.
However the ANC-led ward councillor, Kedumetse Tyalimpi refutes the
allegations and said what the section of the community is doing, is
just a personal upheaval.
“As a human being, one cannot please all people, so up to so far…I
haven’t received any complains from the masses. Those who are
complaining are just bitter.
“All their allegations are not true. They were supposed to come to me
and explain what they’re not happy with. If there are any issues, then
my door is always open. I believe those who are complaining have a
motive and is just a personal attack on me” Tyalimpi said.
Tyalimpi said the hall will be handed over to the community and she is
still waiting for an instruction from Greater Taung Local
Municipality.
“I sometimes use the hall if the venue where we normally hold our
meetings is unavailable. I’m still waiting for a word from those in
power at local municipality for an official hand over of the hall” she
concludes.
-TDN
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