THE deteriorating Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in the Free State is governed by mafia style.
The municipality has had no permanent municipal manager for more than a year while the mayor and speaker were kicked out with a motion of no confidence in the robust Special Council seating held in Phuthaditjhaba on Tuesday evening, 29 August.
ANC councillors successfully managed to conquer
Mayor Gilbert Mokotso was removed by the ANC after numerous attempts.
He was removed alongside Paratlane Motloung, who was a Council Speaker.
ANC chief whip Mandlenkosi Dlamini accused Mokotso of incapability, sending the municipality into total collapse.
ALSO READ: Salga to maspalas: Protect councillors
"Corruption is on the highest level. The municipality is now a laughingstock of the country. Employees are increasing their salaries under his watch. The municipality has failed to pay R7.5 billion debt to Eskom. There has been no political will under the leadership of Mokotso," he said.
Mokotso was elected by coalition parties to lead the municipality following his expulsion from ANC and successfully obtained 28 seats in the council after the 2021 local government elections.
Mokotso faced criticism from his former party members, accusing him of misleading residents with empty promises during elections.
The residents have welcomed Mokotso's removal.
The position of Mayor and Speaker is vacant until the next council seating.
