Mokotso appoints cabinet

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA -The newly elected executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality Gilbert Mokotso has raised concerns at the member of the South Africa Royal Kingdoms (SARKO)’s sudden conflicting behaviour from other members of coalition government.

SARKO’s Paballo Mafube absconded the much anticipated first inaugural council sitting of Maluti a Phofung where he was supposed to have voted with the coalition partners during the election of the speaker, mayor and chief whip last week Tuesday.

Mafube was also tipped for a position during appointments of members of mayoral committee who will lead various departments.

This behaviour disturbed Mokotso so much that he shared with the media during the announcement of MMCs.

According to Mokotso, he was unaware of what may have triggered the SARKO representative to abscond the first council meeting as part of the coalition partners.

 He told The Guard: “to my surprise, even from the previous day when we engaged other coalition partners regarding the urgent meeting of electing the mayoral committee, they sent an apology to the council.”

However, Mokotso maintained that the door will remain open should they decide to come and explain themselves.

Meanwhile, SARKO General Secretary, Tshediso Ramatlapeng has dismissed allegations that his party has withdrawn from the coalition in Maluti-a-Phofung.

Ramatlapeng told this publication that they are still coalition partners with MAP16 regardless of the allegations levelled against them.

“Indeed, we were supposed to have our representative in attendance during the first council sitting, but due to circumstances that are known to the party, that did not happen; so, we express our regret,” Ramatlapeng said.

He added that it also came to his attention that Mafube was again not present at the Monday meeting when the executive mayor elected his Mayco, but made assurances that they are still part and parcel of MAP coalition.

He also distanced himself from the allegations that Mafube’s absence was due to illness. “At the moment, I don’t want to be associated with such rumours.”

The newly elected members of the mayoral committee is made up of representatives of political parties that have entered into a coalition government with MAP16.

The 10-member mayoral committee saw only three women making it to the list.

Announcing his mayoral committee, Mokotso appointed Azael Nhlapo to finance, Shashapa Motaung to infrastructure, Mojalefa Naledi to corporative and legal services; Teboho Mohlekoa to integrated development plan and performance and management system.

Mokotso also picked from coalition parties, Harry Mdakane’s African Independent Congress will be heading human settlements and traditional affairs, Aula’s Lebohang Rapuleng goes to local economic development.

The three women are  Khanyi Molefe who is responsible for sport, arts, culture and recreation; Tshedi Mofokeng and Ellen Mofokeng head community service and special programmes women, children  and people living with disability, respectively.