FURY OVER DA, PA 'SELLOUTS'

COMMUNITY members have questioned the “real motive” behind the decision of the DA and PA to abstain from voting during a special council meeting that was convened to address the thorny issue of Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala.

- SANDI KWON HOO

The doors to the gallery in the Sol Plaatje municipal council chambers were bolted shut when the precautionary suspension of the municipal manager was deliberated, and legal advisers were consulted in chambers on September 16.

Shortly before takeaways were served to councillors for supper, community members were chased out of the foyer.

They were left standing in the corridor or sitting on the floor in the dark, as some of the lights were not working.

“We were treated like dogs and were not making any disturbances when we were told to leave the foyer. It was bad manners to eat in front of us while we were waiting for hours behind locked doors,” they said.

The majority of councillors eventually voted in favour of placing Matlala on precautionary suspension.

'ALLEGATIONS AGAINST MATLALA ARE SERIOUS'

ANC provincial spokesperson Sandiseni Sithole described the allegations against Matlala as “very serious” and indicated that ANC councillors had “spoken with one voice”.

“The precautionary suspension will allow for the investigation to conclude without any interference. We urge the community to remain calm and assure residents that the credibility and stability of the institution will be restored,” said Sithole.

Herbert Miller from Justice4all pointed out that the DA had called for the gallery to be cleared on September 4 when the precautionary suspension was first raised.

“Abstaining from voting amounts to voting for Matlala to remain in charge of the administration,” said Miller.

He added that councillors should be scrutinised for advancing their own agendas instead of acting in the interests of the electorate who voted them into office.

“We are not surprised about the PA, while the actions of the DA go against claims that it is against corruption.”