By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Motions of no confidence tabled against all three members of the Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Troika council speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini, executive mayor Malekula Melato, and chief whip Moeketsi Lebesa were withdrawn during a council sitting at the Intabazwe Multipurpose Hall on 18 December.
The withdrawals were reportedly influenced by a tense and hostile atmosphere within the municipality.The withdrawal process began after MAP16 councillor Paratlane Motloung, who had tabled the motion of no confidence against speaker Dlamini, called for a brief 10-minute caucus with his party.
Following the meeting, Motloung withdrew his motion, citing the need to avoid exacerbating tensions. He also referenced a recent shooting incident involving an EFF councillor in Clubview.
“The withdrawal happened as a result of the temperature we felt is prevailing in the municipality right now. There was really a big threat we felt was hanging above that influenced our decision to relook at things and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Especially because it’s the festive season when people should be with their families, we thought it best to step back, retreat, and reassess the situation,” Motloung told the media.
Motloung clarified that motions of no confidence are submitted individually rather than as a party mandate, though they are often discussed within party structures. He also noted that if he put a motion against the speaker, he must wait three months before tabling another. However, any other councillor can still bring the same motion forward at any time if necessary.
Similarly, All Unemployment Labour Alliance political party (AULA) councillor Pitso Thiteli withdrew his motion against chief whip Lebesa.
Explaining his decision, Thiteli said,
“The Troika is not functional. The motion I tabled against the chief whip stemmed from the fact that council is always in conflict, and instead of being a neutral mediator, the whip often sides with a particular party. I withdrew the motion as a compromise to avoid further conflict in council. However, I strongly believe that as long as this Troika remains, Maluti-a-Phofung will not see meaningful development.”
The Troika, speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini, executive mayor Malekula Melato and the chief whip Moeketsi Lebesa.
MAP16 councillor Shashapa Motaung also withdrew his motion of no confidence against Executive Mayor Melato.
The three Troika members expressed relief following the withdrawal of the motions.
Addressing the council, Speaker Dlamini said, “Moving forward, we as the council must work together to make Maluti-a-Phofung a better place. Next year, we must return as better people, focus on service delivery, and ensure the residents of Maluti-a-Phofung have access to water and electricity. Thank you for trusting me to remain your speaker.”
In South African local municipalities, motions of no confidence are regulated by Section 40 of the Municipal Structures Act. This legislation provides councillors with the right to table a motion of no confidence against any member of the municipal council, including the mayor, speaker, or chief whip.
Such motions must adhere to strict procedural requirements, including notice periods, clear justifications, and majority voting to succeed. The law aims to hold municipal leaders accountable while ensuring stability within local governance.
