The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally asked the Chief Whip and relevant Sol Plaatje officials to confirm in writing that Municipal Manager Mr Thapelo Matlala remains on duty during the ongoing disciplinary process and to update MEC Bentley Vass, eliminating the need for a Special Council Meeting.
This step is critical to enforce accountability and to safeguard the municipality against any politically motivated attempt to impose administration.
Our demand follows yesterday’s multi-party whippery meeting, convened in response to the MEC’s indication of a possible Section 139 intervention. Such an intervention is neither justified nor in the best interests of residents as Mr Matlala is at his post. While service is below the standard that residents deserve, the municipality is operational, and an adjustment budget has also been passed.
The DA also strongly opposes a proposal by ANC ally, GOOD, to convene a Special Council Meeting to possibly pursue the suspension of the Municipal Manager, based on purported new evidence.
Politically driven manoeuvres threaten to continue destabilising the municipality. If credible evidence exists, it must be addressed through a lawful, procedurally sound disciplinary process, for which Mr Matlala has already indicated his willingness to undergo.
The DA will not stand by while thinly veiled attempts are made to orchestrate political interference, including the installation of an ANC-aligned Municipal Manager.
The DA will continue to defend stable, lawful governance in Sol Plaatje and hold those in power accountable. All stakeholders must put residents first and prioritise service delivery over politics.