Independents ‘derail service delivery’

Ngwako Modjadji

The ANC in North West has criticised independent candidates, accusing them of derailing service delivery in the ANC-run municipality in Tlokwe.

This follows independent candidates, led by Xolile David Kham, approaching the Electoral Court on Monday to request the postponement of the by-elections in Tlokwe.

The independent candidates alleged that ineligible candidates would stand in the by-elections if they went ahead. The court ruled in their favour.

ANC provincial secretary Dakota Legoete said yesterday: “The tricks employed by the forces opposed to the ANC only seek to derail the need for the Tlokwe municipal council under the ANC to fulfil its mandate of providing services to the people.

“To the opposition, the postponement remains victory while our people in the affected wards are suffering without coordinated service delivery which is caused by the absence of councillors.”

Legoete said the ANC would not interfere at any stage in the Independent Electoral Commission’s work.

“We remain ready at all times to participate and emerge victorious in the process of elections in Tlokwe,” Legoete said.

“We urge the people of Tlokwe in the affected wards to remain patient as the day for them to demonstrate their support for their beloved organisation, the ANC, is definitely going to come.”

Kham hit back at the ANC, describing the ANC as a “crying” baby.

“They are crying for power,” Kham said.

He said service delivery was about making sure people had water and electricity, among other things.

“What service delivery are they talking about?”

The ANC said from Luthuli House it was gravely concerned about the implications of the Electoral Court ruling.

“We remain disquieted about the feasibility and practical implementation of the court decision,” ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said.

“We will continue to monitor developments in this matter and are seeking legal advice.”

Kodwa said the ANC remained ready and confident of an overwhelming win in Tlokwe.