SITUATION has calmed down at Kagisano Molopo local municipality after some residents attempted to shut down operations recently. The concerned residents want newly-elected mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane to step down.
They alleged rendered her selection null and void as they claim procedural methods were not followed.
Lenkopane has assured residents that the wheel of municipal service delivery will roll out uninterrupted.
“We met with those disgruntled and addressed their issues. We also noted with regret the incident and pointed out that such exercise negatively affected the Local Economic Development (LED). The protesters forced many local businesses to shut down for two days last week.
“If the LED is affected, this will results in a setback in a fight against the triple challenges that we are facing our society. We need to address poverty, unemployment and inequality within our society,” Lenkopane said.
She added that the residents need to unite and work together with municipality. Lenkopane also warned those who supported her that their support should never in anyway be misconstrued as an ‘ace card’.
“Your support should not mislead you and think one day you could use it against me. This is just a wave that will come to an end and I will need everyone in Kagisano Molopo to join in the saamtrek-saamwerk initiative.
“We also urge you to conceptualise the reconciliation, healing and renewal (RHR) programme as some of the concretes of the 5th administration to build the province,” she said.
Lenkopane further said plans were in place to roll out municipal service delivery programmes this week. She added that will empower and develop communities and improve their livelihoods.
However, those who embarked on a protest refuted the claim. The Kagisano-Molopo Concern Group leader, Sino Kebotlhale said: “The mayor does not want to cooperate. We never met with her as she is avoiding us. Instead of meeting us, she calls and set police on us.
“However, we will never budge and we still maintain that she needs to vacate the mayoral seat. Her selection was invalid as we did not vote her in. There are many challenges that are still pending and she refuses to address community grievances.”- Newsnote
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