Modimolle Mookgophong Mayor, Marlene van Staden on Monday received a letter from the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council (Exco) stating its intention to dissolve the council in terms of section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution. This section allows the Provincial Government to take such a drastic step in exceptional circumstances.
Van Staden was given seven days to make representations which will allow for further determination by the Exco on the intervention.
Van Staden said in a media release on Monday that Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC, Jerry Ndou gave no indication of what ‘exceptional circumstances’ had suddenly emerged to warrant such a drastic step and it was therefore difficult for her to make representations in the absence of any justification. “I will engage with the Exco on this matter to find out what ‘exceptional circumstances’ informed their intention and will ensure that the political will of the residents of Modimolle-Mookgophong is not simply disregarded,” Van Staden said.
This development came after the municipality was left with a delicate balance of power after the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) filed an intention to table a motion of no confidence in Van Staden. The EFF also filed a separate intention to remove Speaker, Dingaan Motshwene and Chief Whip, Hercules Louw.
At a media briefing in Polokwane on Monday before the letter was received from Ndou, Van Staden said that the municipality’s political management team will not resign. “The Speaker will apply his mind regarding the motions and we will await the outcome of the special council meeting when it takes place. Regardless of the outcome, we will still continue to serve the community that elected us into office,” Van Staden said. The Democratic Alliance holds seven seats, the EFF five and the Freedom Front Plus two, while the ANC has 12 seats in council.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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