Speaking on Monday (6/10) during a follow-up visit to the embattled municipality, which was recently placed under national government intervention, Velebayi Hlabisa called the election of new council leadership a “critical turning point”. The council meeting on Tuesday, 23 September, saw ANC Cllr Molefe Morutse reelected as mayor and EFF Cllr Manana Bogatsu re-elected as speaker.

“I commend all councillors for their maturity and commitment to resolving this impasse, placing the needs of the community above personal or political interests,” said Hlabisa.

“I also extend my gratitude to the national cabinet representative and their team for their role in facilitating a successful council meeting on 23 September, which has set the stage for new leadership.”

Earlier in the month, Hlabisa issued a directive ordering the council to elect new leaders within 14 days due to prolonged dysfunction and infighting. “This achievement represents more than just a procedural success; it is a crucial step toward building the ideal municipality that the people of Ditsobotla deserve,” he said.

A functional municipality is not defined merely by office bearers, but by responsive, ethical, and community-focused governance, Hlabisa stressed. “An ideal municipality is characterised by stable and united leadership, focused on service delivery.

“It is a place where councillors prioritise the community’s needs, where administration is ethical, efficient, and responsive. Every resident should feel the government’s presence through access to clean water, reliable infrastructure, dignified services, and economic opportunities.”

Reflecting on the recent Local Government Indaba, Hlabisa expressed optimism about Ditsobotla’s progress, noting its alignment with the national agenda to reform and revitalise local governance.

The indaba brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, traditional leadership, and business, and produced key commitments:

• ethical leadership: reinforcing integrity in governance;

• consequence management: strengthening accountability in underperforming municipalities;

• legislative reform: stabilising governance and enhancing service delivery;

• infrastructure investment: targeted at addressing water, sanitation, and economic gaps; and

• restoring public trust through transparent and accountable leadership.

These pillars form the foundation for rebuilding confidence in local government and transforming municipalities into engines of development. “Do not allow your offices to become islands of competing agendas,” he warned.

“Do not go to the people of Ditsobotla as fragmented leaders or as individuals carrying separate agendas, but as one united council, standing side by side with the national cabinet representative, to assure communities that their cries have been heard and that their concerns are at the centre of our work.”

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi