Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The public announcement this week by the Matlosana Municipality that Executive Mayor James Tsolela is on leave due to fatigue was met with astonishment by political parties. The DA in Matlosana said it is “just another ANC trick to dodge accountability’’. Cllr Portia Burrel said it is interesting that the mayor is “fatigued’’ after document surfaced that allegedly implicate him in fraudulent payments.
Nick Mapheele, spokesperson in the office of the mayor, said he will be on leave until after the election.
“The decision for leave comes after the mayor consulted his medical doctor who diagnosed him with fatigue. The mayor has been overseeing the provision of municipal services since he assumed his position without any rest.
“Recently, he has been involved in community affairs and also in the annually budget consultation meetings of the municipality.’’
The DA said Mayor Tsolela should rather resign, than going on leave to rest.
“Service delivery in Matlosana is at an all-time low. The mayor is not fatigued from working night and day to improve service delivery to residents.
“Perhaps, he is fatigued by clinging to his job under mounting allegations of fraud and corruption,’’ said Cllr Burrel.
Meanwhile the body of Christ Doctrinal Council of Churches in Southern Africa (DOCCSA) and religious fraternals in Matlosana declared their support to the mayor and stand in prayer with him.
“It is important to notice the good work of our fellow leader and appreciate by giving credit where it is due,’’ said DOCCSA President Prof Billy Williams.
“We have seen his dedication in serving the community by reaching out to all communities across the City of Matlosana by visiting churches regularly, reaching out to the marginalised and the most remote communities.
“We saw him feeding the needy, clothing the poor, giving shoes and uniforms to the school kids, visiting their homeless, giving sight to the partially blind by donating spectacles, celebrating the birthdays of the senior citizens and donating in kind to disability centres, the list is endless.’’
Dr Valentia Andrews, national Public Relation Officer of DOCCSA, said religious people must stand together in prayer to sort a divine protection for the mayor against the attack of evil forces.
The MMC for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Cllr Fikile Mahlophe will act as mayor until Cllr Tsolela’s return.
