On Tuesday, 24 September, the Matjhabeng council resolved that the executive mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, immediately be placed on unpaid leave for a period not exceeding 30 calendar days.
It was also resolved that all municipal resources at the disposal of the suspended Khalipha must be withdrawn with immediate effect.
This included the municipal vehicle used by him.
Despite this, Khalipha attended the first day of his assault trial on Tuesday, 1 October, using this vehicle and accompanied by his bodyguards (paid by ratepayers) in direct contradiction of council’s resolution.
Khalipha continues to disregard the authority of both council and even his own political party.
Since the ANC ruled that he must step aside, he has ducked this decision by first placing himself on sick leave, and then annual leave. He has ignored any decision taken by council in this regard and has even shunned his own party’s step-aside decision.
Vista understands that the exiled Khalipha has continued to use municipal funds to travel, even visiting family, and that he continues to hold meetings with staff and give orders to them from his home.
During the September meeting it was decided that the acting municipal manager, Dr Vuyo Adonis, must submit in the next ordinary council meeting a detailed report on the costs incurred by the municipality during the absence of the executive mayor.
The mayor spent the Tuesday morning in court, until proceedings were interrupted by a power outage.
The case has now been postponed to Thursday, 10 October.
The contentious municipal vehicle was parked squarely in front of the entrance to the Odendaalsrus Magistrates’ Court.
The court case on Tuesday stems from an alleged assault that took place in February this year when Khalipha’s bodyguards were trying to separate him from an angry mob at the Kutloanong High School during a mayoral imbizo.
He allegedly assaulted one of his bodyguards, injuring the man’s neck and face.
Dan Mana, deputy regional secretary of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in Lejweleputswa, says they will engage MEC Saki Mokoena to expedite the internal disciplinary process against Khalipha, following council’s failure to charge him for violating the code of conduct for the councillors and related acts including standing rules and orders.
Khalipha has ducked this decision by first placing himself on sick leave, and then annual leave. He has ignored any decision taken by council in this regard.
