By OBAKENG MAJE
It has been almost three months since the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe crashed his mayoral vehicle, BMW X3 in an accident. Now, the luxury SUV worth R700 000 continues to gather dust at the municipality storage.
According to allegations, the municipality wanted to use R200 000 from taxpayers’ money to fix the vehicle. This comes after Gaoraelwe allegedly failed to submit an Accident Report (AR) to the insurance within the prescribed 48 hours.
Gaoraelwe, who was on leave at the time, was involved in an accident 10km outside Schweizer Reneke along N12 road towards Klerksdorp.
Even though Gaoraelwe alleged that he was with his ex-wife, Sindisiwe Nkonyana and their two children at the time of accident, the Accident Report (AR) suggests that only one passenger was registered.
The municipality spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said the vehicle is kept in the storage because an assessor has yet to conduct an investigation on it.
“The claim has been reported to the insurance and Gaoraelwe was offered a courtesy car as evidence of submission. All documents were submitted timeously and an assessor is yet to submit his report to the insurance,” Oliphant said.
He further said, the insurance has appointed an assessor and his report will inform the municipality of the exact cost of repairs.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor at the municipality, Sam Nape said at the time that they had tabled a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe. Nape said Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold office and he allegedly submitted contrary affidavits on the matter.
“We have submitted a notice of motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order against Gaoraelwe to the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai. I moved on behalf of the DA on a motion of no confidence in terms of Rule 21.1 of the Standing Rules of Order.
“On 3 October 2022, Gaoraelwe took possession of the mayoral vehicle, travelled outside of the municipal boundaries with one passenger, and was involved in a motor vehicle accident outside the town of Schweizer Reneke,” he said.
Nape added that a police investigation is underway against Gaoraelwe for negligent driving, which might suspiciously have been caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. He said in the process, the mayoral vehicle suffered extensive damages.
“In terms of Section 2 of Local Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, a councillor must perform the functions of the office in good faith, honestly, and in a transparent manner.
“This must be done at all times in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the municipality are not compromised. So, Gaoraelwe is not fit to hold the office because he breached his oath,” said Nape.
However, Gaoraelwe said: “I submitted only one statement, which I can account for. If there’s any other statement whose contents do not reflect the original statement, then this question should be directed to the relevant authorities.
“If there is any frivolous, spineless and baseless motion of no confidence against me, the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai will convene a council sitting. As things stand, the municipal council has a huge responsibility in matters of service delivery.”
He further said the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. Chapter 3, Section 29 is very clear about meetings of the council. Gaoraelwe said that, the speaker decides when and where the council meets subject to Section 18 (2) council sittings, not driven by motions or emotions.
The Guardian 