The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West says it’s not going back on its call for the removal of the administrator at the Ditsobotla local municipality, Radinaledi Mosiane after a council meeting was postponed yesterday, because of disruptions for the party members who are calling for his removal.
EFF’s provincial chairperson, Matshidiso Botswe, said the administrator’s contract lapsed two weeks ago.
“The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) appointed an administrator, Radinaledi Mosiane, since the municipality was placed under Section 139(1) (c) of the Constitution, and the appointment was for a period ending on the 16th of December 2022.
“The MEC of COGHSTA did not extend the appointment of the administrator, so we could not allow for the council to continue because his contract was not extended. And secondly, the councilors were not invited to the council sitting. We only saw the invitation on a WhatsApp group,” Botswe said.
Botswe said they caused disruptions because the said administrator chose to continue with the council, and defy an agreement that was reached for the council postponement.
“After deliberations between the EFF and the administrator he requested an adjournment. During that time all political parties gathered with the advisor from the national Cogta and advised the leadership of the ANC. We raised valid issues and that the council is postponed.
“Then the MEC, Nono Maloyi agreed for the council to be postponed for a period of seven days. We then left the meeting. Then 10 minutes after that the administrator came back and continued with the council seating.
“When we questioned him and made him aware of the agreement,he refused to listen and told us he will not take instructions from a minority party. And that is what led to the disruption,” he said.
North West COGHSTA spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping, said it is true that the term of office of the administrator came to an end because it was only for 90 days.
“The MEC is consulting with the provincial executive council (EXCO) of the premier in accordance with Section 139, which states that EXCO must be able to give directions if there is a need for an extension of the administrator’s contract.
“However, the MEC in terms of the rules has the powers in terms of section 29 to nominate or to appoint somebody to preside over the council. So the MEC has done that. Unfortunately, currently, I cannot confirm the name of that person now. But the MEC has appointed somebody who will be presiding over the next Council sitting of Ditsobotla,” Maruping said.
The sworn in ceremony of new councillors, the mayor and speaker was also postponed to 9 January following recent by-elections where the ANC was reinstated as the ruling party in the Lichtenburg-based municipality.
