This came after weeks of escalating political tensions, administrative breakdown, and allegations of criminal interference in municipal affairs. The decision to invoke Section 16(5) of the Municipal Structures Act comes amid a deepening crisis which have led to the closure of municipal offices and severely disrupted service delivery.

“This decision forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the municipality,” said North West cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Oageng Molapisi.

“The committee has been given 60 days to conclude its investigations, and once this process has been completed, we will act on its recommendations. The state of our municipalities is worrisome, and we need to do everything within the law to bring about administrative stability in our municipalities.”

It's understood the situation in Ramotshere Moiloa reached a boiling point after a violent shootout on 25 August at the municipal headquarters, allegedly involving a private security company and hired gunmen. This came in the wake of what has been described as a “bogus council meeting” held on 9 August.

The mayor of the ailing municipality, Dina Pitso, made shocking allegations during a visit by the portfolio committee.  

“The municipality is under the control of armed individuals described as inkabi (hitmen).” She claimed the gunmen had direct ties to illicit mining activities in the area.

However, the internal political divisions are just as volatile. Municipal speaker Portia Letshefi hit back at the mayor and her allies, accusing them of sidestepping formal council processes.

‘Storming the municipal offices’

She said on 9 August, Pitso and other councillors deliberately avoided going into the council chamber and instead held discussions in a boardroom with a political deployee. This act led to chaos, with community members allegedly incited by Pitso’s faction storming the municipal offices.

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, during the meeting held with municipal officials and provincial leadership on Friday (5/9), expressed shock over the unfolding events.

“As government, we were taken aback by what transpired in this municipality a few days ago. This is one of the municipalities that have shown steady progress in relation to administrative stability and provision of services. So we came here to restore order and assure residents that the province will not hesitate to act on anyone who goes astray and doesn't follow the law.”  
North West Provincial leadership meeting with Ramotshere Moiloa council. Photo: Facebook 

He confirmed the municipality had already benefited from Eskom’s Debt Relief Programme to the value of R29 million, and is also earmarked for funding by Infrastructure South Africa to address chronic service delivery issues.

“The intervention by government through mandatory Financial Recovery Plans and deployment of a Provincial Executive Representative is yielding desired results.”  

The provincial government is engaging with law enforcement agencies to investigate and resolve the alleged unlawful occupation of municipal premises by security personnel not contracted by the council.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg