POLITICAL INSTABILITY HOUNDS MUNICIPALIES

By Bongani Tshabalala

BLOEMFONTEIN-The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State has expressed concern over the political instability that has pervaded several municipalities in the province.

The Mangaung Metro has been without a full-time Executive Mayor for seven months since Olly Mlamleli’s ouster last year.

The South African Communist Party-led coalition in the Metsimaholo Municipality is on shaky ground.

The ANC in Thabo Mofutsanyana has called for the removal of Dihlabeng Mayor Lindiwe Makhalema after she voted with the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) in filling the post of Council Speaker. Elsewhere, the DA is leading a campaign to remove Metsimaholo Mayor Lindiwe Tshongwe.

Free State ANC secretary Paseka Nompondo says the party is monitoring developments in Dihlabeng.

“Yes, we are aware of that motion. It is a motion that we are dealing with. The law requires that when a motion has been placed it must be debated. It must be put before council and be debated by councillors. As matters stand now, that matter is under discussion. We will provide proper leadership on the matter of Metsimaholo. We are not in coalition with the DA,” said Nompondo.

Metsimaholo Local Municipality was put under administration last year following confirmation of financial mismanagement.

Last month, the DA called on Mangaung Metro’s Acting Executive Mayor Lebohang Masoetsa to investigate City Manager Advocate Tankiso Mea over allegations of financial mismanagement as well as unauthorized and wasteful expenditure.