By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Saki Mokoena has endorsed the election of new Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Tumelo Thebe, backing the council’s decision while warning that political instability could cost the municipality millions in funding.
Thebe was elected on Tuesday, 14 April, during a continued council sitting at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall, securing 35 votes against MAP16 leader Paratlane Motloung’s 25.
His election followed the dramatic removal of former mayor Malekula Melato through a motion of no confidence tabled by SARKO and supported by 30 councillors in the same sitting.
Mokoena moved swiftly to legitimize the process, saying the provincial government would always respect council decisions taken within the confines of the law and municipal rules.
He defended his earlier intervention directing the municipality to convene a continuous council sitting after a disputed March 26 meeting that had installed Motloung as mayor.
“The provincial government will support lawful decisions of council. Our responsibility is to ensure stability and that governance processes are not undermined,” said Mokoena.
He said Thebe’s appointment marked a turning point for the troubled municipality, expressing optimism that it would restore stability and accelerate service delivery.
“As the provincial government, we will work with the new mayor to sustain service delivery interventions and ensure progress is not reversed,” he said.
Mokoena pointed to improvements achieved through previous provincial interventions, including stabilised labour relations, improved electricity and water supply, an expanded municipal vehicle fleet, and upgrades to road infrastructure.
However, he warned that persistent political infighting had placed critical funding at risk.
“The instability around the mayoral position had triggered concerns at National Treasury, including threats to withdraw R100 million earmarked for smart electricity meters,” he said.
He cautioned councillors against internal battles that undermine governance and service delivery.
“Councillors cannot afford endless disputes while communities suffer. Government has mechanisms to redirect resources away from municipalities that fail to prioritise service delivery,” he said.
Mokoena welcomed what he described as a resolution to the leadership crisis, saying it would help safeguard critical funding and restore confidence.
“Now that this matter appears resolved, we are confident the municipality can retain the R100 million allocation. Losing such funding would have serious consequences for residents,” he said.
He commended councillors for ultimately adhering to legal processes and heeding provincial guidance.
“We congratulate council for acting within the law and ensuring that proper procedures were followed. This is the foundation for stability and effective governance,” said Mokoena.
