By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Newly elected Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Paratlane Motloung has vowed to fast-track service delivery as his controversial rise to power heads for an expected legal showdown.
Motloung was installed after a chaotic and hotly disputed special council sitting that ousted former mayor Malekula Melato through a motion of no confidence.
The motion, tabled by councillor Napo Letlala, sailed through with 30 votes in favour, none against and five abstentions from the DA.
But the meeting descended into disorder. An ANC-requested 10-minute caucus dragged on for hours, forcing remaining councillors to reconvene and push ahead without them.
Motloung argued those present were within their rights to proceed.
“According to council standing rules, councillors still present can continue with the business of the day,” he said.
With Speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini absent, councillor Mojalefa Naledi was installed as acting Speaker, as members accused Dlamini of “abdicating his duty.”
A headcount confirmed 36 councillors in the chamber — enough to form a quorum — clearing the way for the vote.
The EFF threw its weight behind the motion, slamming attempts to halt proceedings through the courts. Councillor Chicco Mkwanazi accused the former mayor of misleading council and welcomed an end to what he called a “circus” of legal interference.
EFF members broke into struggle songs as tensions peaked ahead of the vote.
Following Melato’s removal, MAP16’s Azael Nhlapo nominated Motloung for mayor, with the EFF seconding. No other candidates emerged.
In a dramatic twist, all five DA councillors walked out before the vote. Councillor Alison Oates said the election was not on the agenda and warned their exit could render the process non-quorate.
Motloung was elected unopposed.
Now in office, he faces an immediate legal storm. “If there are challenges from the ANC and others, we will cross that bridge when we get there,” he said.
Despite the looming court battle, Motloung struck a defiant tone, pledging to tackle crippling service delivery failures.
“Water and electricity shortages have paralysed communities and the local economy. That is where our focus will be,” he said.
His dramatic ascent marks a seismic political shift in Maluti-a-Phofung — but the final verdict may yet come from the courts.
