F4SD feels disrespected by PA in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Estimated reading time: 6 minute(s)

Political gimmicks and flip-flopping yet again shows it ugly head at the expense of poor people in one of the worst performing municipality Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West.

The local municipality was dissolved by Parliament, following massive breaches of non-compliance, and maladministration last year.

They then elected a new mayor Elizabeth Lethoko of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) on Monday during a heated council meeting.

Lethoko shocked many following her resignation from the post just few hours after being elected.

It is said that her resignation was in protest, after newly elected African National Congress (ANC) speaker Fikile Jakeni tabled an item for council to appoint an interim municipal manager.

Lethoko’s President, Gayton McKenzie wrote a letter to Jakeni’s saying they were not consulted by the ANC that they intended to introduce a motion to appoint an interim municipal manager.

Shocking to many, two days later it was reported that Lethoko decided to change her decision and withdraw her resignation following discussions with one of the coalition parties that supported her appointment, the ANC.

She was supported by both the ANC and Forum for Service Delivery (F4SD).

PA’s Deputy President Kenny Kunene said Lethoko’s return was after a discussion with the national leadership.

He said they had to meet with the ANC both nationally and provincially to discuss a way forward.

To add on that he also said that lucky enough, the speaker had not processed the resignation as of yet. Meaning she is and was still the mayor.

 F4SD said they are not happy with the gimmicks and have rejected the resignation withdrawal wondering what has changed from the initial concern raised by Lethoko when she first resigned up until the time she decided on a turn of events.

The party’s NWC member Thapelo Makgale added through a statement that worst of them all, they had to learn through the media about the resignation.

“We will not allow such disrespect and undermining by the PA.”