Malekula ousted as mayor in dramatic council vote

By Teboho Moloi

QWAQWA – Malekula Melato has been removed as Maluti-a-Phofung executive mayor after a dramatic and contested council sitting that saw court intervention, political infighting and violent disruptions inside the chamber.

MAP16 civic movement convener Paratlane Motloung was elected as the new mayor following the successful motion of no confidence passed against Melato on Thursday.

Council speaker MandleNkosi Dlamini opened proceedings by revealing that an urgent legal bid had been made to interdict the sitting.

However, he confirmed that the court ruled in favour of the council proceeding, clearing the way for the motion to be heard.

The motion, submitted by the South African Royal Kingdoms Organization (SARKO) on March 4, accused Melato of misleading council over the removal of MMC Mary Crockett, failing to improve service delivery, and leaving critical senior management posts vacant.

Presenting the motion, SARKO councillor Napo Letlala said the municipality had stagnated under Melato’s leadership.

“She has failed residents on service delivery and governance. Key positions remain unfilled, crippling the municipality,” Letlala told council.

Melato rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.

“It is true I attempted to interdict this sitting – my right to a fair process has been infringed,” she said.

She argued that her office received the motion late and without supporting documents, denying her a fair opportunity to respond.

“This motion has no legal standing. It is a political ploy to disrupt progress in service delivery,” Melato added.

Despite walkouts and disruptions, council pressed on. With Dlamini absent at one stage, MAP16’s Mojalefa Naledi was appointed acting speaker to steer proceedings.

Of the 36 councillors present, 30 voted in favour of the motion, none opposed it, while five DA councillors abstained.

Tensions escalated when two unidentified men stormed the chamber, damaging chairs and tables as security failed to intervene. Proceedings briefly descended into chaos before order was restored.

Council then moved swiftly to elect Motloung as executive mayor.

Accepting the position, Motloung acknowledged the municipality’s deep challenges and pledged to restore stability and service delivery.

“I am ready for the task ahead. We must change the state of this municipality and deliver to our people,” he said.