By OBAKENG MAJE
Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) said it will table a motion of no confidence against the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe. F4SD councillor in the municipality, Mika Moeti said they have already submitted the letter to the relevant authorities.
Moeti said they moved a motion of no confidence against Gaoraelwe due to his failure to fulfil his duties and responsibilities as the mayor. He further said the motion was filed after Gaoraelwe crashed the municipality’s R700 000 luxury BMW X3 on 30 June 2024.
According to police, Gaoraelwe allegedly crashed the municipal vehicle, while trying to evade unknown assailants, who were following him. He crashed the gate after being shot at.
“It is alleged that this is not the first accident involving the carelessness of the mayor. The mayor is said to have then staged a shooting as a means to cover up the incident.
“Gaoraelwe has demonstrated consistent negligence by crashing numerous vehicles that are being paid for by the taxpayers’ money. He has failed to show the qualities of integrity, trustworthiness and accountability, which are essential in a leader,” said Moeti.
He added that Gaoraelwe has exhibited poor leadership by not adequately engaging with the community concerns and failing to provide transparent and accountable governance. Moeti said Gaoraelwe failed to execute oversight on monthly reports according to Section 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003 (MFMA).
“As F4SD, we propose that Gaoraelwe be removed from his position as the mayor of the Greater Taung Local Municipality effective immediately following the council’s vote on this motion,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “The municipality has allocated security guards for Gaoraelwe. This is part of our responsibility as the municipality. So, we have allocated two security guards at night and one during the day.
“This should go on until there is no need/perceived threat. There is no additional cost as these have been drawn from the quota of security guards we already have as part of our contract with Diphetogo Security Services.”
Oliphant said the municipality is aware of the allegations that Gaoraelwe has staged the shooting, but the official information they received was that he collided with the gate as he was trying to evade people who were chasing him.
The Guardian 