By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Maluti-a-Phofung’s deepening political crisis escalated on Wednesday as newly elected mayor Paratlane Motloung pressed ahead with appointing his mayoral committee (MAYCO), despite a formal intervention declaring his election invalid.
Motloung unveiled his executive team with immediate effect, saying the municipal manager had already been notified earlier this week.
The appointments are:
Aziel Nhlapho – Finance
Shashapa Motaung – Water and Sanitation
Mojalefa Naledi – Corporate Services
Mohanuwa Mosobe – Community Services
Malebusa Ngozi – Spatial Planning
Pitso Tetedi – IDP
Napo Letlala – Human Settlements
Chikota Mkhwanazi – Infrastructure
The move comes just days after a chaotic and contested special council sitting on 26 March at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Hall, where Motloung was elected during a motion of no confidence against mayor Malekula Melato.
The meeting descended into disorder, with some councillors walking out.
But in a letter dated 30 March, Cooperative Governance MEC Saki Mokoena declared the proceedings “null and void ab initio”, citing violations of council standing rules and procedures.
The letter followed an urgent request for intervention from the council speaker.
Despite this, Motloung is pushing ahead – setting up a direct collision course with provincial government.
He accused Mokoena of overreach and warned of imminent legal action.
“This is interference in council matters. We have instructed our lawyers and will challenge this in court,” he said.
Motloung also signalled a boycott of a planned council sitting on 8 April.Meanwhile, confusion continues to grip the municipality.
Melato remains visible in official capacity, still using state resources and security, and recently attended a provincial event in Makwane.
On the other hand the municipality through the office of the municipal manager advocate Motsoahae Mofokeng has distanced the municipality from the new announced MAYCO members appointed and announced by Motloung.
Mofokeng said the municipality disassociates itself from the posture of Motloung until final determination is made by a properly constituted council on 8 April.
