Gloves come off

the organisation.

“We fully support Koopman to be inducted as the new Speaker. She has all the credentials, having served on the ANC regional working committee and is a branch member in Roodepan. She is a seasoned cadre. We must all start somewhere, how else will she obtain the necessary experience?”

Van Wyk added that Matika was “a friend of Roodepan” who was “always there” when the community was faced with challenges.

Afford

“If the budget is not passed we can’t afford for the projects to be stymied or allow employees to go without their salaries. Johnson does not have the interest of the people at heart.

“Roodepan has been waiting for the budget to fix its drains, roads, electricity and other challenges.”

ANC member Gloria Peterson pointed out that it was the prerogative of the party to recall a member at any time.

“She is a senior leader and she must tow the line. Johnson was put in that position and now we want her out.”

Meanwhile, Coghsta stated that the complaint laid by the DA requesting an investigation into the housing benefits received by the Sol Plaatje executive mayor, has been referred to the Speaker of the municipality.

The DA had in March requested that the municipal public accounts committee investigate items purchased by the municipality for Matika, including a R26 000 Samsung television, R52 000 curtains, R15 000 hi-fi and crystalware and kitchenware valued at thousands of rand, that he was not entitled to.

The party indicated that it had not received any response yet.

Spokesperson for Coghsta, Xhanti Teki, added that the department was “still awaiting feedback in that regard”.

He indicated that MEC Bentley Vass had not received any communication in relation to the request for an extension for the adoption of the council budget.

Those loyal to Johnson believe that her removal from council was motivated by the need to prevent further investigation into the irregular housing benefits awarded to the mayor.

Complaints were also received regarding the onslaught on the mayor, where concerted efforts were being made to portray him in a bad light.