The twice criminally convicted executive mayor of Matjhabeng, Thanduxolo Khalipha, is flouting rules and regulations and has resumed office without a council decision.
He then proceeded to schedule his signature imbizos and a mayoral press briefing to announce his return.
Khalipha has spurned the legality of the committee appointed to investigate his absence without permission, and his continued use of council resources.
There were three special council meetings scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April.
The first one was cancelled. Then a second one was announced, which was cancelled as well, and then late afternoon on 15 April a third council meeting was announced.
This meeting is not procedural, as councillors must be served with the agenda 48 hours before the meeting. The first notice was cancelled, and another 48 hours must apply before the next meeting.
The DA, FF Plus, South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), and even members of Khalipha’s own party say his return is illegal and that he is acting with impunity.
Piet Botha, DA councillor, says the ANC provincial working committee also decided that he can return to office, despite him having been found guilty of assault and crimen injuria.
“This puts a big question mark against the ANCs integrity and how they serve the community at large. Many residents, employees, and the business fraternity indicated that they do not want him back.
“Samwu and Cosatu both issued strong worded statements saying that they will fight the return of Khalipha on every front,” says Botha.
Botha says rumours were rife that Samwu intends to instruct members to down tools, and they could be joined by the other unions.
“If they do go on strike, residents will have no service delivery at all and will suffer.
“This, because of a short sighted decision by the ANC, who is scared that if they did not allow Khalipha to return it will result in senior ANC officials being named and shamed, because they benefitted from contracts awarded to them and their family members,” says Botha.
Manie Pretorious of the FF Plus says they reject this return of Khalipha with the contempt it deserves.
“Khalipha’s actions are proof of his disregard for rules and regulations.
“Not only within the framework of Matjhabeng, but also within the ANC. The ANC has a standing rule that must be applied,” he says.
“His arrogant actions are strongly condemned. It is clear that the ANC is applying double standards and that Khalipha is being protected by the ANC,” says Pretorious.
