This was in response to yet another planned motion of no confidence against besieged Mayor Olly Mlamleli by the Democratic Alliance (DA). 

Departmental spokesperson, Zolile Lobe, says generally poor performance is the reason that the ailing metro was downgraded twice by credit ratings agency Moody’s in a space of 6 months between 2019 and 2020. 

DA Councillor, Mokgadi Kganakga, blames Mlamleli for the financial woes of the metro and says since she took over the troubled municipality - which is currently under administration – has accumulated a debt of R6.5 billion owed to service providers. 

Lobe, however, says the decision to pass a motion of no confidence against Mlamleli or not, is a party political decision, which as Cogta they have no control over.

He adds that as Cogta, they have instituted Section 139(5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution in the municipality, and they hope to see the financial recovery of the municipality. 

“The Constitutional responsibility of Cogta is to ensure good corporate governance across all spheres of government. Our responsibility would be based on safeguarding the interests of the Community,” Lobe adds.

He further says the decision as to who becomes mayor or not, is the prerogative of political parties that are represented in that Municipality.  

Meanwhile, Kganakga says in 2019 her party submitted a request for a motion but the speaker of the council dismissed it, citing ‘lack of clarity’.   

“It is alarming that the Metro was downgraded for a second time by credit agency Moody’s within a year. It has also been placed under administration by the provincial executive in accordance with section 139 5 (a) and (c) of the constitution,” she adds. 

The metro is the first in South Africa to be put under administration and the first ever to adopt an unfunded budget. 

“Crises during her term include the burning down of the historical Bloemfontein city hall, the non-payment of Bloem Water and Eskom and services to residents of Mangaung that have grounded to a halt numerous times. Currently, the Metro owes Bloem Water R780 million and Eskom R300 million. The total debt for the Mangaung Metro is R6.5 billion,” Kganakga adds.

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