By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployees in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Malusi Gigaba and Obed will embark on a consultative engagement meeting with the ‘rebellious’ ANC caucus from the beleaguered Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality on Friday at ANC headquarters, Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Friday.
This comes after some defiant ANC members voted with the oppositions to oust the municipal speaker and mayor through motion of no confidence last week. The motion was sponsored by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Now, it’s been a week since the smooth running operation of the municipality was affected after community members embarked on violent protests demanding the removal of the municipal manager, Olaotswe Bojosinyana.
One of the community members, Omphemetse Phillips, accused Bojosinyana of corruption and sowing divisions within the municipal council.
Bapela said they have received the report that a certain group of ANC councillors colluded with oppositions to remove the speaker and mayor.
“We have been telling them that they must not do so, because there is a mandate. Who becomes a mayor is not a provincial or a caucus decision, but a national decision.
“So, those councillors were told not to defy the ANC NEC decision. In the province, the speakers were agreed upon by the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), so one cannot just wake up and remove the municipal speaker,” he said.
Bapela further said, if there is anyone who feels aggrieved by the decision and wants certain speaker removed, should furnish them with reasons on why and they will conduct their own investigation.
“The decision will be taken based on our assessment and the legitimacy of the issues raised. However, the organisational processes should be followed instead of them defying the process.
“Remember, defiance is a serious offence within the organisation, but we will give them a hearing. We are assigned to assist the IPC to mitigate in seven municipalities in the province,” said Bapela.
He added that the NEC will give instructions that the status quo should go back to its original mandate. Bapela said this kind of behaviour will affect the ANC in the near future if not dealt with decisively.
The embattled Bojosinyana told Motsweding FM that he views allegations levelled against him as malicious and defamatory. He said he had opened various criminal cases against some community members who allegedly participated in violent protests, where three municipal vehicles were torched in the process.
“There are members of the public who came to the municipality as the situation was volatile. However, I would not get into the merits of the cases because they are still pending.
“But I can confirm that, names of all those who were involved are included in our statements. We also hear those allegations across various platforms, but what is important is, if someone accuses you of any wrongdoings, there should be a supporting document to substantiate those allegations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tshireletso Marabutse has interdicted her removal as a mayor at the North West High Court where she cites that the processes of her removal was flawed. The court ruled in her favour pending a final decision on 23 June 2022.
The Guardian 