The Democratic Alliance (DA), together with other opposition parties, is demanding that Sol Plaatje municipality immediately produces the alleged “resolution” being relied upon to justify unilateral decisions that sidestep legislation and established Council procedures.
Openness and oversight are fundamental to local, democratic governance and we refuse to be undermined in Council.
The Speaker, Dipuo Peters, has persistently declined to respond to legitimate oversight questions, concealed key information, including matters relating to the criminal conviction of the former acting Municipal Manager, Busisiwe Mgaguli. She also blocks scrutiny regarding the approval of an expensive legal appeal. All the time justifying her actions by citing the elusive resolution.
When the opposition challenges the ANC during sittings, microphones are switched off and security personnel are summoned to intimidate councillors. This conduct reflects an attempt to silence councillors, rather than uphold democratic debate.
Meanwhile, the administration remains obsessed by a politically motivated campaign to sideline the Municipal Manager, Thapelo Matlala. Public funds are being channelled into internal litigation aimed at shielding the Speaker and Mayor Martha Bartlett from personal cost orders stemming from a previous failed court action against Matlala. With the Municipal Manager administratively constrained, the city stands to forfeit millions in unspent infrastructure allocations as basic services continue to deteriorate.
This instability has persisted for months. The DA has led many opposition walkouts to disrupt quorum and resist the ANC’s agenda. However, the continued impasse now threatens the adoption of the municipal budget, which must be approved by tomorrow (Saturday).
Failure to pass a funded budget would carry serious consequences for Sol Plaatje, municipal staff, and the broader Kimberley community. It could trigger an unfunded budget crisis, deepen service delivery failures, and place 175 newly appointed workers at risk, as their salaries depend on the adjustment appropriation.
The DA remains committed to restoring stability through a credible, fully funded budget that puts residents ahead of party-political interests. This, however, requires the ANC to abandon heavy-handed tactics, respect democratic norms, and engage constructively and transparently so Council can convene and adopt the budget lawfully.
We will not be manipulated into enabling the ANC’s one-sided political programme. Our focus remains on lawful governance, financial responsibility, and effective service delivery for the people of Sol Plaatje.