Media briefing statement by Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Tradtional Affairs Ishmael Kgetjepe on Mogalakwena Local Municipality
Good afternoon.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your positive response to the invitation of this press conference.
On Wednesday, the 12th of March 2014, the Executive Council of the Province took a decision to place the Mogalakwena Local Municipality under section 139 1(b) of the Constitution. This follows the findings made by the Rapid Assessment Team sent by the department two weeks ago.
The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has been following the developments in Mogalakwena Local Municipality with keen interest. The challenges in that municipality continue to dominate the public and the media in particular.
At the centre of their challenges are the following:
- Dispute over the contract validity of the Municipal Manager and the Council
- Institutional instability characterised by serious infightings amongst council members and senior officials
- The latter has negatively affected the ability of the Municipal leadership to fulfil its legislative mandates, including the provision of basic services and efficient financial management.
This situation at this Municipality is inconsistent with the objects of the establishment of Local Government Sphere as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic (Act 108 of 1996) which is:
- To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities
- To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner
- To promote social and economic development
- To promote a safe and healthy environment
- To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government.
Indeed considering these noble objects, it becomes apparent that this situation is not in the best interest of the people of Mogalakwena.
As a department and my office in particular, we have since October 2013 been engaging the council of the municipality in all levels. The department has as well sent teams to assess the situation at the municipality in an endeavour to bring the situation to normality.
The teams came with recommendations and amongst them were to take the matter of the dispute over the contract of the Municipal Manager to court to determine its validity. The department has since went to court and successfully obtained a judgement that declared the said contract to be unlawful and illegal.
The Municipal Manager, Mr Kekana has since made an intention to appeal the court ruling. The situation continued to deteriorate and recently the department sent the Rapid Assessment Team assess the situation. The Assessment Report was presented to the Provincial Executive Council, which had, subsequently, resolved to implement Section 139 1(b) of the Constitution.
The decision taken by the Executive Council about the Mogalakwena Local Municipality means, department will assume responsibility for the relevant obligations in that municipality to:
- Maintain essential national standards or meet established minimum standards for the rendering of services
- Prevent that municipal council from taking unreasonable action that is prejudicial to the interest of the municipality and the province
- Maintain economic unity and stability in that municipality.
It is our firm view and belief that the decision by the Executive Council will go a long way in addressing the challenges facing this municipality. We call on all stakeholders and the people of Mogalakwena to work closely with the department during this intervention period.
Once more, members of the media, thank for responding to this press conference. We are looking forward to working together in addressing this issue and others in the interest of our people.
Thank you!
Enquiries:
Motupa Selomo, Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 717 0342 or 072 481 3617
Tel: 015 284 5580
