Instability in local municipality hinders basic service delivery

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The Marapong Business Forum in Lephalale is concerned that instability in the local municipality is hampering the delivery of basic services in the area.

This comes after the resignation of the African National Congress (ANC) Louise Shongwe from the position of mayor after only three months.

The party’s provincial executive committee has recommended that Aaron Mokgehle should replace Shongwe.

Mokgehle is expected to be elected during a council sitting this coming week. He will be the fourth mayor since the November 2021 local government elections.

There has been a scramble for the position of mayor among the ANC councillors.

Marapong Business Forum Spokesperson, Masea Kamanga says, “This issue is not going to destabilise the economy of Lephalale because now because we have been waiting for this decision. We have been suffering, we have been underdeveloped for more than ten years. We have been struggling with service delivery for almost ten years. We have been struggling with unemployment issues and recruitment transparency for almost ten years. We are looking forward to engaging with Mr Mokgehle to show him the needs of the people that have been lacking for almost ten years.”

Meanwhile, Youth Congress Convenor of the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO), Lawrence Matsoma, believes factionalism in the ANC is the cause of the instability in the municipality.

“The ANC in this municipality must take a sober decision. If your wake up tomorrow, you will hear that the mayor is this person, is A or B. But the position of SANCO, we are saying we cannot allow this situation where our people are suffering. We have a serious challenge in terms of service delivery because of people that they have voted for are now fighting for positions.”

VIDEO | Lephalale mayoral dispute continues