The National Department of Cooperative Governance has placed the Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West, under section 139(7).
This was revealed in a letter by Minister Velinkosini Hlabisa, which was sent to Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, in response to the municipality’s persistent governance failures, financial mismanagement, and the collapse of basic service delivery.
The section allows the government to intervene in a municipality when a provincial executive fails to act or does not adequately address a municipal crisis, such as a failure to fulfil executive obligations or to manage finances.
The municipality has faced several infightings, which saw the election of two mayors and speakers in March this year. Three people were also shot during a scuffle at the municipal offices in May, during a shootout between two security companies that were ‘contracted’ to the municipality.
“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,” read the letter from Hlabisa.
In addition, the letter highlighted that to ensure the effective implementation of the recovery plan, the cabinet has appointed a National Cabinet Representative (NCR) supported by a multi-disciplinary team of experts.
According to the minister, the 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.
“Furthermore, 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,” added the letter.
Hlabisa, accompanied by the Finance Minister, will next Tuesday hold a meeting with various stakeholders in Lichtenburg, to communicate the cabinet resolution and introduce the National Intervention Team.
