SASOLBURG – Metsimaholo Local Municipality mayor Jack Malindi lives to fight another day as the first citizen of a Free State-based municipality.
The African Independent Congress (AIC) member had the last laugh when a majority of council members from different opposition parties defended him against the Democratic Alliance’s Motion of No Confidence.
On Monday, February 05, the council chambers of Metsimaholo Local Municipality in the heart of Sasolburg witnessed a bruising exchange of words as different parties reasoned on the removal of Malindi.
In a three-hour-long marathon sitting, the acting municipal manager was brought in by Malindi as his witness to give reasons why he deserved another opportunity to arrive at his hundred days in office.
Despite the DA’s salvo to have the voting in a secret ballot, the council saw Malindi’s return at 27 councilors supporting his stay against 14 votes to remove him done by a show of hands.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster with relief following the explosive session, Malindi said he was happy to return and continue service delivery for the people of Metsimaholo.
“The motion was baseless and I still believe since my appointment in October I have been doing my best to maintain my function which is delivering services. The DA was given ample time to do their duties and I haven’t even completed my hundred days yet I was faced with a motion,” he said.
Malindi said “The DA should have filed a motion to debate service delivery issues than a motion to remove me. I am delighted that the council still has confidence. I am here to do what our people expect of the municipality”.
DA causes leader Thulani Mbana said ” We are obviously disappointed by the actions of the council and protection of the Executive mayor who is totally incapable to lead this institution. The decision of the council can only mean that people of Metsimaholo, particularly those who pay for services will continue to suffer due to none delivery of the services they rightfully deserve as ratepayers and community”.
“It is clear that party line always supersede what is right. Furthermore, it is important to note that the DA will continue to make use of any available processes of council to hold the executive mayor accountable as the head of institution. Therefore the DA was correct by filling a motion of no confidence against him,” he said.
