Councillors aim dig at premier

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – MAP16 Civic Movement councillor Nare Ramohloki has expressed frustration at Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae’s conduct and manner of addressing councillors.

During a special council meeting held on 10 October at the Maluti-a-Phofung council chambers, Ramohloki voiced concerns about the Premier’s remarks during her visit to Qwaqwa for the provincial road maintenance project.

Ramohloki stated, “How will the community respect us as ward councillors when the premier speaks about councillors in a belittling manner? I am not happy with her conduct, and though I’m unsure who will relay this message, I felt compelled to express my displeasure.”

Echoing Ramohloki’s sentiments, fellow MAP16 councillor, Paratlane Motloung, spoke to the media, emphasizing the need for mutual respect between the Premier and the councillors.

“The Premier and her MECs must remember that we are colleagues, not subordinates. She must understand that there are three independent spheres of government. While intergovernmental relations exist between the provincial and national governments, they are not our bosses. When she or her MECs come here, particularly on matters involving us as councillors, they need to communicate with respect.”

Motloung stressed that when the Premier speaks ill of councillors in front of the community, it undermines the trust and relationship between councillors and their constituents, potentially fostering unnecessary conflict.

Responding to these concerns, council speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini assured the councillors that their grievances would be addressed.

MAP16 Councillor Nare Ramohloki who expressed frustration regarding Free State premier Letsoha-Mathae ‘s disrespect towards Maluti-a-Phofung councillors.

“I have asked the mayor to address this issue with the Premier, and I will also send a formal letter from my office. We’ve made it clear in the past that when provincial or national leaders visit this municipality, they should coordinate through the Speaker’s office, allowing me to inform the councillors of their arrival.”

Dlamini further explained that intergovernmental relations require cooperation and alignment between different spheres of government. Effective synergy ensures that local, provincial, and national governments work collaboratively while respecting each other’s autonomy.

He reiterated his commitment to resolving the matter, emphasizing that the councillors of Maluti-a-Phofung expect more respectful communication from the Premier in the future.