The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the tabling of Sol Plaatje Municipality’s outstanding draft budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP), following ongoing attempts by the ANC to destabilise council and obstruct its lawful functioning.
Today marks a significant victory for both Sol Plaatje and its residents, with due process and accountability prevailing in council.
The successful facilitation of the budget process was made possible through decisive leadership in council, with DA Councillor Elize Niemann elected as Acting Speaker, and Councillor Pienaar, from Sol Plaatje Service Delivery Forum, appointed as Acting Mayor for the duration of the meeting. This intervention ensured that council was able to proceed with its statutory obligations and deliver on its responsibilities to residents.
In a further victory for the rule of law, the Kimberley High Court dismissed an attempt by Speaker Dipuo Peters to interdict the council meeting, reaffirming that no political actor is above due process or lawful governance.
This outcome sends a clear message: Sol Plaatje belongs to its residents, not to factional interests, and service delivery must never be held hostage by political manoeuvring.
The court also reprimanded the Speaker for pursuing frivolous litigation at ratepayers’ expense, with strong indication that she may be held personally liable for the legal costs incurred.
The absence of both Speaker Dipuo Peters and Mayor Martha Bartlett, and the majority of ANC councillors from this critical council meeting, underscores their disregard for the urgent needs of the municipality and its residents at a time when leadership was required.
The DA further condemns the ANC’s continued use of disruptive, undemocratic, costly, and violent tactics aimed at undermining council proceedings. These actions have no place in a democratic institution and directly harm service delivery and public trust.
The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring stability, enforcing accountability, and ensuring effective service delivery for the people of Kimberley and Sol Plaatje.