Matika sworn in as MPL
FORMER Sol Plaatje Municipality executive mayor, Mangaliso Matika, was sworn in as an ANC Member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (MPL) on Friday.
Matika was nominated for the position by the ANC following the vacancy left by former MPL Patrick Mabilo, who resigned from the position last month after being sworn in February. Matika resigned as mayor in September following violent protests in Kimberley calling for his removal.
During Friday’s swearing in, Matika swore to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic and he also solemnly promised to perform all the functions as a MPL
The DA, however, has vowed not to let the redeployment of Matika to the provincial legislature prohibit him from being held accountable for his actions during his time as mayor.
DA leader Andrew Louw said that while Matika may have been given a fresh title, he will not be starting the new position with a clean slate.
“Matika previously facilitated the rental of his own personal accommodation through the Sol Plaatje Municipality despite the fact that council voted against the provision of official accommodation for the mayor and despite the fact that council never approved the rental agreement of the mayor’s house in Henry Schmidt Street, Kimberley,” Louw claimed.
“Matika also ensured that his friends had access to cheap municipal land at the expense of previously disadvantaged individuals (PDIs) who are desperate for erven.”
Louw stated that these are but two of the alleged irregular activities where Matika was implicated.