By OBAKENG MAJE
4 September 2025- The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa said he has invoked Section 139 (7) of thr Constitution at the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Hlabisa wrote a letter to formally inform the Cabinet at its sitting on 3 September 2025.
“This national intervention will be implemented in accordance with Section 139(7) of the Constitution, read together with Chapter 13 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). In terms of Section 150(2)(a) of the MFMA, the national executive assumes the powers and functions ordinarily exercised by the provincial executive.
“Accordingly, the Minister of Finance will assume the powers and functions of the MEC for Finance for the duration of the intervention. To operationalise the intervention and ensure the effective implementation of the recovery plan as contemplated in Section 139(5)(c) of the MFMA, the Cabinet has appointed a National Cabinet Representative (NCR) supported by a multi-disciplinary team of experts,” he said.
Hlabisa further said this team will execute the assumed executive responsibilities on behalf of the national executive, guided by clearly defined roles and responsibilities as set out in the Terms of Reference to be issued. He added that the Cabinet has authorised the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to consult with Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to establish a Joint Operational Task Team.
“The primary mandate of this Task Team will be to investigate and prosecute specific criminal activities reported to be prevalent within the municipality.
“In light of the above, I wish to convene a formal engagement with the following stakeholders to communicate the Cabinet resolution and introduce the National Intervention Team,” said Hlabisa.
He said he kindly requested that the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi extend formal invitations to all councillors of the Ditsobotla Municipal Council for the 12h00 session. Hlabisa said in addition, he requested that Molapisi coordinate the necessary logistical and security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of both meetings.
“Your cooperation and support in this regard are highly appreciated,” said Hlabisa.
The Guardian 