The executive mayor of Matjhabeng is currently facing serious legal challenges, including accusations of assault. Yet despite being out on a warning and due to appear in court again in August 2024, Thanduxolo Khalipha continues to hold office.
This situation has drawn widespread criticism from various sectors, including the ANC, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu). The ANC’s Lejweleputswa Regional Executive Committee has called for the implementation of the step-aside rule.
One of the most contentious issues under Khalipha’s tenure is the exorbitant expenditure on municipal fleet, which stands in stark contrast to the lack of essential materials needed for service delivery.
While the mayor is spending millions on the fleet, residents have to suffer through power outages and water interruptions for days due to the unavailability of materials.
“It is difficult to understand the rationale behind purchasing more equipment for service delivery for R31 million, bringing the total spend on the fleet since his appointment in 2021 to R200 million. Despite this the municipality is unable to deliver the most basic service, like replacing a leaking tap at a water meter or fixing street lights,” says Maxie Badenhorst, DA councillor in Matjhabeng.
In March 2024, Khalipha introduced a newly acquired Jet-Master Truck, dedicated to fixing potholes throughout Matjhabeng.
This was the last that was seen of this state-of-the-art equipment, raising questions about whether the municipality can even buy the tar or have the personnel to operate the truck.
Badenhorst says the mayor acknowledges residents’ complaints, saying the issue is no longer about resources but the attitude of the employees.
“This places the blame for the unused equipment on the employees’ shoulders,” she says.
Additionally, four more refuse compactor trucks have been acquired. However, on 28 June, councillors were informed about significant staff shortages hindering the full operation of refuse collection.
“This raises serious questions about why the fleet is being purchased at an alarming rate, but there is no personnel to operate the fleet or deliver the service,” says Badenhorst.
“We demand urgent answers as to why it is necessary to buy a fleet that is nowhere to be seen. Across Matjhabeng, contractors are doing the work of the municipality, while the he is busy acquiring a fleet that stands collecting dust.
“For the sake of transparency and accountability, we urge him to provide a detailed account of all fleet purchases and their current status and to prioritise the essential services that the residents of Matjhabeng desperately need.”
