DA fills void left by the axing of ex-councillor

THE DA has strengthened its team of councillors in the cash-strapped Enoch Mgijima municipality by appointing Mbongeni Mapila to replace former councillor Vuyisile Blom.

DA MP and Enoch Mgijima constituency leader Terry Stander said the DA congratulated Mapila on his swearing in as a councillor of the Enoch Mgijima municipality yesterday.

“We are pleased to have him on the DA team to serve the people and ensure good governance. Councillor Mapila fills a DA PR vacancy created after the dismissal of Vuyisile Blom.

Blom underwent a rehabilitative programme, and then a disciplinary process when the standard of conduct and performance remained unchanged,” she said.

Mapila was sworn in yesterday at 1pm by the municipality’s manager Chris Magwangqana.

Blom has since resigned as a DA member after claiming he had been unfairly removed from his position by the DA.

Speaking to the Daily Dispatch about his dismissal as councillor, Blom said he was not given enough time to defend himself.

“I thought they would do a thorough investigation on the allegations against me. All the allegations were unfounded,” he said.

Stander said the DA submits all public representatives alleged of wrongdoing to disciplinary action. Upon a guilty verdict, the nature of misconduct or poor performance attracts sanctions ranging from admonishments to termination of membership.

However Blom said after he was dismissed as councillor he left the DA. He maintains that he has done nothing wrong.

DA leader in Enoch Mgijima Malibongwe Xhelisilo said the DA has a code of conduct for its members and councillors which every members is expected to adhere to.

“Once a member of the DA breaks this code of conduct, that member faces disciplinary action.

“Unfortunately Blom did not adhere to the code of conduct hence his removal as a councillor,” he said.

Xhelisilo said they were expecting Mapila to adhere to the code of conduct of the party and serve the people.

Mapila said he came from the rural areas where people are marginalised and don’t have access to roads.

“The majority of rural areas don’t have street lights or shearing sheds. I will be making sure the people are served,” he said.

Magwangqana said Mapila was expected to participate in all council activities. —