By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Newly elected Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor, Cllr Tumelo Thebe, has moved swiftly to reconfigure the municipality’s mayoral committee, signalling a calculated effort to stabilize governance and distance his administration from the political turbulence that toppled his predecessor.
Thebe this week unveiled a seven-member Mayoral Committee (MMC), with two additional appointments expected imminently, in what insiders describe as a “reset strategy” aimed at restoring credibility and improving service delivery.
The newly appointed MMCs are Cllr Peter Khumalo (Finance), Cllr Mamorena Bohlale (Corporate Services), Cllr Neo Motaung (Water and Sanitation), Cllr Masetjhaba Lakaje-Mosia (Local Economic Development), Cllr Bridget Lebesa (Community Services), Cllr Harry Mdakane (Land and Human Settlements), and Cllr Ditaba Nhlapo (Electricity and Roads).
While the line-up retains several experienced figures from the previous administration, it also marks a deliberate break from controversial appointments that defined the final days of former Executive Mayor Malekula Melato’s tenure.
Melato’s 10-member committee included additional portfolios such as Social Development, Public Safety, and Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Performance Management System (PMS) – roles that are, for now, absent in Thebe’s streamlined structure.
The exclusions appear politically significant.
Former MMC for IDP and PMS, Cllr Napo Letlala, had resigned prior to the collapse of the previous administration but resurfaced during the disputed MAP16 processes that briefly saw Paratlane Motloung controversially installed as mayor.
His involvement, amid unresolved legal and political questions, drew sharp criticism.
Equally contentious was former MMC for Social Development, Cllr Mary Crockett, whose alleged forced resignation by Melato – claims later denied – deepened fractures within council and is widely seen as a trigger for the motion of no confidence that ultimately removed the former mayor.
Neither Letlala nor Crockett features in Thebe’s new executive, underscoring what analysts view as an attempt to avoid rekindling factional tensions.
“The composition reflects both continuity and caution,” a senior municipal insider said.
“There is an effort to keep institutional memory while steering clear of politically toxic figures.”
Thebe has confirmed that two more MMCs will be appointed “in the coming days”, suggesting a phased consolidation of his leadership team as he navigates a fragile political environment.
The restructuring comes as Maluti-a-Phofung continues to grapple with deepening financial strain, infrastructure backlogs and mounting service delivery pressures.
The final shape of the mayoral committee is expected to offer a clearer indication of Thebe’s governance priorities — and whether his administration can succeed where the previous one faltered.
Municipal officials say the reconfiguration forms part of broader efforts to reset the administration and refocus on service delivery, with further announcements anticipated.
2 Responses
Everything is up to my satisfactory.
It is a pity that political parties of MAP Municipality are there to serve their interests, that’s why they are concern about power instead of providing basic services to electorates.
It is very disheartening that after 34 of democracy residents of Sehlajaneng and Monontsha are still not having running water from their taps and that they still use pit toilets while there are voted councillors who are earning salaries every month. It is a shame