The political landscape in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality is fraught with tension as the African National Congress (ANC) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in the North West has reaffirmed its commitment to the appointment of councillor Molefe Mohurutshe as Executive Mayor. This declaration stands firm despite a challenging ruling from the North West High Court, which acknowledged another party councillor, Mazwi Moruri, as the rightful executive mayor, alongside the council speaker and the acting municipal manager.
In the wake of a turbulent fortnight characterised by power clashes between competing ANC factions, Mohurutshe was elected executive mayor amidst conflicting claims of legitimacy. Both Mohurutshe and Moruri have simultaneously reported for duty as executive mayors, propelled by their respective supporting councils.
Justice AJ Titus’ ruling not only reinstated Moruri but also interdicts and restrains Mohurutshe, Manana Bogatsu, and Ogone Bojosinyana from presenting themselves as municipal leaders. Moruri expressed his relief and support for the judgement, stating, “We’ve always emphasised that the meeting called by Bojosinyana, who was illegitimate, and every decision taken there will not stand the test of time. Here we are, vindicated again.”
Despite this legal setback, Tumelo Maruping, the ANC PEC provincial spokesperson, insisted on the party’s right to intervene and uphold its decision. “We have taken a resolution that as part of the intervention we want comrade Mohurutshe to become the executive mayor,” he said, explaining that this decision had been communicated to the Regional Executive Committee (REC). “We then realise or we’re aware that there are those who are in support and those against that decision, but we don’t support any lawlessness when implementing the party’s decisions,” he warned.
The ANC PEC has signalled intentions to convene with its regional structure in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. The objective will be to receive a comprehensive report on the special council meeting that elected Mohurutshe as mayor, amidst all the chaos.
Maruping acknowledged the court’s ruling but stated, “The judgment has made it clear that the meeting was illegal and all its decisions must be discarded.” With tensions simmering and loyalties tested, the path forward for the Ditsobotla Local Municipality remains anything but certain as political manoeuvring continues to unfold.
