Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe
By OBAKENG MAJE
The ‘disgrace’ Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe has ‘fell on his sword’. This comes after the ANC in the North West fired him from his mayoral position.
Gaoraelwe has been criticised over the years due to his alleged lifestyle since he was appointed as the mayor. On 3 October 2022, he crashed a R700 000 luxury BMW X3, while on leave.
This was followed by a series of accidents and up-to-date, Gaoraelwe has allegedly crashed four municipal vehicles. A few months ago, the ANC in North West promised to crack the whip on its councillors, who have been incompetent and use their positions for self-aggrandisement.
The ruling party took this decision after it completed an intense process of assessing the performance of its councillors in all 22 municipalities. ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said in 2021, they took a resolution to assess all councillors in all municipalities and to remove those who underperform.
Maruping said the party views the sphere of local government as crucial when it comes to service delivery.
“You will remember that in 2021, we launched what we call a Local Government Barometer. Now, the Local Government Barometer is an assessment instrument, where we measure functionality of municipalities’ troikas and performance of councillors.
“This is a mid-term assessment, where the ANC is contacting all municipalities to assess their performance. So, where there is a need for interventions and let’s say a certain councillor or mayor must be removed, that is exactly what is going to happen. So, the decision has been informed by the assessment report that was tabled,” he said.
Maruping said they have recalled Gaoraelwe and they have already informed him.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor, Mmoni Letele said they welcome the removal of Gaoraelwe. Letele further said even though Gaoraelwe has been fired, he still needs to be held accountable for his wrongdoings.
“He must be held accountable regarding his involvement in car accidents. Gaoraelwe was involved in four car accidents and taxpayers’ money was used to fix those vehicles. So, he must pay that money out of his own pocket.
“We understand that the next person to ascend to the mayoral position will be elected by the municipal council. However, we would like to see an astute individual, who will uphold the constitution,” she added.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, Sam Nape shared the same sentiments. Nape said the removal of Gaoraelwe is the most welcoming news.
“You will remember that, we are the first people to call for his removal. We had tabled a motion of no confidence against the mayor. Unfortunately, we did not receive the necessary support. Even now, you will understand that we are at the forefront of the investigation regarding his series of dubious car accidents.
“So, we believe that Gaoraelwe has caused the municipality reputational damage. The municipality was a source of embarrassment under Gaoraelwe stewardship,” he said.
F4SD councillor, Mika Moeti said the municipality needs someone with values, integrity and principles. Moeti said the mayor plays a crucial role within the municipality and Gaoraelwe did not have that.
Meanwhile, Gaoraelwe was not available for a comment as his phone rang unanswered.
The Guardian 