In a bid to reverse years of governance failures and financial mismanagement, the Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has expressed renewed optimism for the troubled Ditsobotla Local Municipality.
The Lichtenburg-based council was placed under administration for the ninth time recently, a decision prompted by its ongoing inability to deliver essential services to residents.During a visit to the municipality, Hlabisa was accompanied by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and a host of other Members of the Executive Council (MECs), as they introduced the newly appointed National Cabinet Representative, Kopung Ralikontsane, to the council in accordance with section 139(7) of the Constitution.
“All executive powers of the council will now be handled by the national cabinet representative. This includes oversight of appointments, service providers, and any new hiring decisions,” Hlabisa outlined.
“There will be no hiring decisions made without the national cabinet representative’s approval.
”One of the primary tasks for Ralikontsane will be to assess the municipality’s organogram to identify any inefficiencies and ensure that all employees are qualified and properly appointed. Hlabisa added, “If it is found that there are individuals employed without following proper procedures, the national cabinet representative will have the authority to reverse such decisions.
”Ralikontsane will be backed by a multidisciplinary intervention team drawn from various sectors, including engineering, urban planning, governance, and finance, to facilitate a comprehensive recovery strategy for the municipality. This intervention follows years of failed governance that has plagued local residents.In a show of unity, Hlabisa applauded the councillors from eight political parties who have pledged their support for the intervention team. He emphasised that the councillors have 14 days to resolve critical outstanding issues, such as the contentious debate over dual mayors and the illegal election of a council speaker.
“It is imperative for them to quickly resolve these issues. The national cabinet representative will also examine the situation concerning the municipal manager to ensure proper protocols are followed,” Hlabisa warned.
The minister further asserted that law enforcement agencies will be tasked with investigating all previously opened cases which have not been pursued, emphasising that arrests will follow where necessary.
His aim is to bring stability and order back to the municipality, and he warned that failure of cooperation from councillors could lead to recommendations for the municipality’s dissolution.Premier Mokgosi welcomed the cabinet’s intervention, stating, “This is a critical moment for Ditsobotla. As part of the provincial government, we have engaged in various interventions since 2008, but the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that a more elevated intervention is necessary to ensure the community receives the basic services they deserve.”
