Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The DA in Klerksdorp is still calling for Matlosana Mayor James Tsolela’s resignation, even though ANC Councillors disrupted proceedings at the council meeting last week, preventing a motion of no confidence in the mayor to be heard. DA Cllr Portia Burrel said the council meeting on Tuesday April turned chaotic when ANC councillors defended and shielded the mayor from accountability. “They even went so far as to dismiss their own ANC provincial executive committee’s decision that he must resign with immediate effect. “We are aware that documents are doing the rounds allegedly implicating Mayor Tsolela in fraudulent payments. It is alleged that R52 000 was paid into the mayor’s bank account.’’
In April this year, the DA tabled a motion of no confidence against the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mercy Phetla, following her arrest in connection with an alleged R1,4 million VW Amarok exchange, related to a service delivery tender. Another motion was tabled against Municipal Manager Lesego Seametso, citing alleged corruption implications.
The majority vote in council was against the DA’s motion, declaring that any disciplinary action would be an internal ANC matter.
Subsequently, evidence emerged linking the CFO to a R2,9 million fraud and corruption scandal, resulting in her suspension pending further investigation.
The DA is still demanding mayor Ttsolela’s resignation. “MEC Nono Maloyi will have to intervene and see to it that the mayor is suspended immediately,’’ Cllr Burrel said.
