Mangaung’s ‘remarkable mess’ needs a ‘total overhaul’, not just political appointments

The dismantling of corrupt syndicates, restoration of services and governance at the dysfunctional Mangaung Metro Municipality requires a complete overhaul of the municipality, instead of just the removal of political leaders.

This is according to governance and politics expert at the University of Free State, Dr Ina Gouws, commenting on Monday’s sacking of Mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana.

Besides Siyonzana, the futures of eight African National Congress (ANC) councillors who were charged and found guilty of siding with opposition parties also continue to hang in the balance.

Papering over the cracks

Gouws said patronage and corruption were entrenched in Mangaung, rendering administrative interventions ineffective.

“I think the ANC’s action is fairly genuine, as they seem to believe management is ineffective. However, we are way beyond the notion that replacing people at the top will turn around this remarkable mess.

“The networks of patronage are still very deep at all levels and in all departments, not only in Mangaung but throughout the province. The factions and beneficiaries are emboldened in every Mangaung turnaround effort you can think of,” said Gouws.

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She added that both the provincial and national governments have failed to make inroads after putting the municipality under administration many years ago.

Although national government took over last year, the state of the city has remained dire, said Gouws.

“They must look into the effectiveness of the people they brought from national government as well. We are not seeing anything positive coming out of that team since they arrived here.

“There’s a culture of ineffectiveness that only a dynamic leader can address. The only thing that can help is a complete overhaul of management and for politicians to stay out of the way. This metro needs a municipal manager who is experienced and qualified, with a strong backbone and who won’t allow political interference.”

READ MORE: Mangaung councillors lambast Godongwana for deploying ‘tainted’ officials

Siyonzana meets with Mbalula

Siyonzana, who survived a motion of no confidence last year, came under fire during the governing party’s January 8 celebrations, when he was blamed for the collapse of the Free State’s only metro.

Another motion sponsored by opposition parties was delayed late last year due to family bereavement after Siyonzana’s mother passed away.

During a public lecture in the city last week, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula laid into the beleaguered mayor, accusing him of being lazy and “sleeping on the job.”

He said the party would be getting rid of MECs, ministers, mayors and other leaders who have not delivered on their mandate.

The outgoing mayor on Monday said he was scheduled to meet with Mbalula along with other Free State party leaders.

ANC Secretary General, Comrade @MbalulaFikile is in Mangaung, Free State today to meet and engage ANC structures. The Secretary General is accompanied by NEC Member, Comrade David Mahlobo. pic.twitter.com/ol0amDDPJ1

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) January 16, 2023

“I heard about the recall but I personally haven’t been told anything formally. I am going to hold a meeting with the SG [Mbalula] only now,” Siyonzana said.

His sacking still has to be given the green light by Luthuli House.

ANC provincial spokesperson Oupa Khoabane said internal processes “were unfolding” regarding Siyonzana.

“The ANC has taken a decision to recall him, the official point is when he resigns or is removed. The fate of the other councillors does not involve national leadership, and can only happen after the election of a new mayor in council.”

The Mangaung corruption saga which led to ANC councillors voting with the opposition, meanwhile, involved Mbalula’s brother Jabu, who was one of the ghost workers earning huge salaries while sitting at home.