By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 April 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass met with the provincial, regional and local leadership of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) led by the provincial chairperson, London Solomons. Vass said the meeting requested by SAMWU was cordial and conducted with mutual respect.
He further said they discussed the ongoing challenges at the embattled Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and how these challenges may have a direct impact on the workers. Vass added that he also clarified his moral and constitutional responsibilities and his concerns about the state of the municipality.
“SAMWU noted the Section 139 (1)(a) directives issued to the municipality in March 2026. They said they do not seek to interfere with the constitutional obligations of the MEC as the Executive Authority, and any decisions I may take to stabilise the municipality.
“Section 154 of the Constitution mandates national and provincial governments to support, strengthen, and capacitate municipalities to perform their functions effectively. I will will meet with other stakeholders and community interest groups operating within the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the coming few days,” he said.
The Guardian 