George Diaba, concerned Matjhabeng resident:
The Matjhabeng mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, seems to be suffering from volubility verbal diarrhoea. He even laughs at the vile he spews at people and is content that he will not pay the price or suffer any consequences.
During his recent imbizo held at the Lemotso Primary School, Khalipha explained to them why Matjhabeng approached the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) High Court to interdict the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu)-protected strike in Matjhabeng. He said that they have friends in the judiciary, especially in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere in the country.
He further made reference to the law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks and Special Investigating Unit (SIU), where he claims that he enjoys their proximity and friendship. He even took a jab at the chairperson of Samwu who attended the imbizo and told the audience that the man would not be paid his salary this month.
These statements have been consistent at his imbizos, including boasting that he is a friend to Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa and nobody can touch him.
Khalipha has said many controversial things, transgressing the ANC constitution and councillors code of conduct without facing any consequences.
He recently told managers and senior managers in Matjhabeng that they must pronounce their political affiliation because soon all of them must produce proof of their ANC membership.
This is a man who on occasion tells everyone of his association with national ministers and his personal deliberations with them.
The ongoing Samwu-protected strike, which many are trying to associate with politics, is a clear indication of the deterioration in Matjhabeng. All is not well in Matjhabeng and no matter how hard others try to hide it, the Matjhabeng Municipality (MM) is bleeding to death.
The mayor’s interference in administration does not need investigation to be proven. Letters written to the MM are there to prove it.
Matjhabeng is a milking cow for many and its political head is a “project” to advance these personal and selfish interests at the expense of more than half a million citizens faced with frequent water shortages, the daily stench of raw sewage flooding their homes and streets, uncollected refuse, potholes, and water leaks amongst others.
It is unfortunate that there will not be any accountability. In a normal environment, heads would be rolling.
The political leadership in the region and the province have demonstrated that the mayor is beyond reach. Perhaps it confirms the mayor’s remarks that he is only accountable to the president, hence the title “national mayor”.
The allegations that most ministers and provincial leadership are benefiting from our hard-earned monies in Matjhabeng needs an urgent probing from independent, competent, and objective people.
It is the citizens of Matjhabeng who will pay dearly and the ruling party will surely be punished for protecting one man and allowing him to be the Alpha and Omega of the Free State.
One thing is for sure, the words of Henry Steele Commager resonate well with the current juncture: “Whether history will judge this war to be different or not we cannot say. But this we can say with certainty: A government and a society that silences those who dissent is one that has lost its way.”
