Rand West City mayor faces ousting
The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus in the Rand West City Local Municipality yesterday lodged a motion of no confidence in ANC mayor Mzi Khumalo after ongoing service delivery protests in Mohlakeng near Randfontein.
DA Gauteng West Regional chairperson Evert du Plessis said residents were dissatisfied with poor service delivery, housing, alleged allocation of tenders to cronies, excessive billing and the recent appointment of ANC members to the office of the speaker, some of whom were believed to be political deployees from the ANC.
“The motion, which is to be debated next month, comes as residents continuously circulate pamphlets calling for a complete shut down of the township. Businesses are not operating for a second day running and schools have closed. Residents are clear about their demands, they want better services,” said Du Plessis.
Residents of neighbouring Westonaria wanted to split from the Rand West City Local Municipality and rejoin Westonaria Municipality because they were not getting service delivery, he added. The Municipal Demarcation Board merged the Randfontein and Westonaria municipalities in 2016 to form the Rand West City Local Municipality.
“However, this merger has led to a major financial setback and poor service delivery. Mayor Khumalo must be held accountable as he has failed in his duty to deliver to our people,” said Du Plessis.
Picketers in Mohlakeng vowed to continue protesting until the mayor meets them. Several businesses were broken into and municipal buildings were set alight this week. Shoprite, Liquor City and Creativity Clothing were looted as were the post office, recreational centre, library and clinic. – Additional reporting by ANA