Picture: The executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana said it refused to participate in an unlawfully constituted council meeting that was conducted in violation of Council’s own Rules of Order on 30 January 2026. The DA said in terms of Section 11 of the Council’s Rules of Order, promulgated as a by-law, all reports to be considered by council must be served at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
However, DA Caucus leader in Matlosana Local Municipality, Gerhard Strydom said this requirement was blatantly ignored. Strydom said certain reports were delivered only 40 hours before the meeting, additional reports were circulated just hours before the meeting and the final batch was distributed only 45 minutes prior to the meeting.
“Despite these clear procedural violations, the majority of the council voted to disregard their own legislation and proceeded with the meeting. The decision rendered the meeting unlawful. It is a well-established legal principle that any resolution taken by an unlawfully constituted meeting has no force or effect and is therefore invalid.
“The Speaker of Council once again demonstrated a failure to properly manage the council agenda and ensure compliance with applicable legislation. This conduct undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in the governance of Matlosana,” he said.
Strydom further said in protest of this unlawful process, the DA in Matlosana withdrew from the meeting and refused to legitimise an illegal proceeding. He added that approximately 45 minutes after the DA’s departure, the meeting was adjourned.
“The DA remains committed to lawful, transparent, and accountable governance and will not hesitate to challenge any process that violates council rules and the principles of democratic oversight,” said Strydom.
Meanwhile, the meeting was supposed to discuss maladministration allegations report against the executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe. It is alleged that the report was submitted to the council by the Ad Hoc Committee on 26 June 2026, but the municipal speaker, Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya delayed the tabling of the report.
According to a high-placed source, the report is set to be discussed on 4 February 2026.
The Guardian 