The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Polokwane has accused the Municipal Speaker, Wilhelmina Modiba, of acting “unprocedurally” during a council sitting on Thursday to block their motion of no confidence in Executive Mayor John Mpe.
DA Caucus Leader in the Polokwane Local Municipality, Johan Retters, said the party tabled the motion citing what he called “a continuing collapse in service delivery” and “allegations of corruption” involving the mayor.
“Despite being duly tabled, the motion was not afforded the fair and transparent consideration required by council procedures,” said Retters.
Motion ‘stalled by the ANC’
“The Speaker failed to rule on the DA’s request for a secret ballot before proceedings began. And, under pressure from ANC leadership, she recognised only ANC councillors to participate. While denying other parties the chance to debate the motion.”
He further alleged that when the ANC called for a division, the Speaker “rejected any further discussion”. It only announced her ruling on the secret ballot request after the division results had already been made public.
“This rigged setback will not deter the DA from continuing to expose the persistent water crisis and maladministration by the ANC in Polokwane. We remain steadfast in upholding democratic processes. And ensuring that the people of Polokwane are served by a government that is open, responsive, and accountable,” Retters said.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Speaker or Mayor Mpe were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.
Capricorn slammed over ‘luxury car lease’
Meanwhile, the DA in the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) has called on Mayor Mamedupi Teffo to halt the proposed leasing of a Category I luxury vehicle for the municipal Speaker, Kholofelo Lehong, labelling it as a “flagrant violation” of cost-containment regulations.
DA councillor in CDM, Bianca Mocke, said the Speaker’s official Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is currently under repair. The municipality’s insurer has already provided a Category B sedan as a temporary replacement.
“Despite this, a report before the CDM Council recommended leasing a Category I luxury vehicle for the Speaker. An unnecessary and unjustifiable expenditure,” said Mocke.
“The DA vehemently opposed the proposal. …It cited blatant non-compliance with National Treasury’s Municipal Cost Containment Regulations and the municipality’s own policy. Nonetheless, the ANC railroaded the item through Council. It displayed reckless disregard for fiscal discipline and the rule of law.”
Mocke made reference to Regulation 6 of Treasury’s framework in her argument. She said it requires that all vehicle leases and purchases be cost-effective, value-for-money, and reflect prudent use of public resources. CDM’s own policy, she added, prohibits leasing vehicles above Category B unless operationally justified. Something which was not the case here.
“At a time when communities across the Capricorn District face chronic water shortages, infrastructure decay, and service-delivery failures, it is indefensible for the ANC-led municipality to prioritise political comfort over public need,” she said.
“The DA will not tolerate the misuse of municipal funds or the deliberate disregard of financial discipline measures designed to prevent extravagance and corruption. Every rand spent must be lawful, justified, and in the best interests of residents. Not to fund luxury perks for politicians.”
