MAP mayor faces hostile vote

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA – Opposition parties in the Maluti a Phofung council are already baying for the blood of the coalition government, barely three months into its reign.

The African National Congress (ANC) has thrown its weight behind a looming motion of no confidence against MAP executive mayor, Gilbert Tjhopo Mokotso, which is piloted by the African Content Movement (ACM). The ACM accuses Mokotso of failing to provide stable financial guidance in the municipality.

Party chairperson in the council, Tumelo Thuli, blames Mokotso for what he calls ‘improper oversight regarding his rental vehicle which has allegedly cost the municipality more than R720,000’.

The MAP council has already resolved that this matter be referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for thorough investigation, but Thulo insists they will not wait for the presentation of that investigation report.

He also hauled Mokotso over the coals for the recent power outages in Tshiame which led to residents going without electricity for more than a month due to an explosion at a local substation.

In the meantime, the ANC has tabled a motion of no-Confidence against council speaker, Paratlane Motloung and Council Whip, Moeketsi Lebesa.

ANC council leader, Mandlenkosi Dlamini claims Motloung has failed to configure the council to benefit community. He also blamed Lebesa for failing to successfully guide council with a new perspective on issues surrounding accountability.

“It’s no secret that we will vote with the ACM in its motion against the executive mayor Gilbert Mokotso,” Dlamini said.

He went on to dismiss suggestions that his party is still in the throes of surrendering power after being whipped by their former comrades MAP16.

However, ANC Coordinator in Thabo Mofutsanyana region, Thabo Mokoena said the party needs to partner with certain political parties to bring it back to power.

In another development, MAP16 has lashed out at the ANC and ACM, labelling them ‘infamous prophets of doom’.

The party’s head of communications, Mmutlanyana Sekete told The Guard that the ANC and ACM seemed to ignore the fact that the municipality owes Eskom over R6-billion.

“It’s no surprise that these two parties are continuing to sow seeds of distrust against the current municipal leadership, as they had always shown a lack of confidence from the inception,” Sekete said.

He pointed out that the ANC has noticed the executive mayor and his cabinet’s efforts to fix the 27 years of damage caused by the national ruling party.

Mokotso was voted in as the executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung in November, 23, last year after the local government elections; he defeated ANC candidate Malekula Melato  by 33 votes to 28.