According to reports, the proceedings collapsed after opposition councillors staged a mass walkout, citing procedural irregularities and the controversial status of acting municipal manager Busisiwe Mgaguli at a council meeting on Wednesday (21/1). The meeting, which lasted three hours before reaching a dead end, was intended to address critical administrative issues. 

However, the atmosphere soured when opposition members accused speaker Dipuo Peters of disregarding council rules and regulations.

The opposition councillors asserted that Mgaguli cannot be legally appointed while a sitting municipal manager is still in office. They pointed to a recent high court ruling, which reportedly found the suspension of the permanent municipal manager, Thapelo Matlala, to be null and void, expressing frustration over being denied the opportunity to vote on the matter.

“The speaker blatantly ignored our request, she delayed the issue, and she was dragging it out. It became clear she would not allow us vote, repeating what happened in the last meeting,” said the DA Cllr Chris Whittaker.

Peters expressed extreme disappointment regarding the walkout, noting that four vital items on the agenda are now unfinished. Among these was a scheduled presentation by the auditor general’s office regarding audit outcomes for the Northern Cape.

Sol Plaatjie municipal speaker, Dipuo Peters, expressed extreme disappointment regarding the walkout, noting that four vital items on the agenda are now unfinished. Foto supplied

“This council was going to take decisions that make it possible to accelerate service delivery,” said Peters, adding that the walkout hindered the municipality’s ability to function collectively for the community.

In the wake of the collapse, there is growing concern that the lack of stable leadership is stalling essential operations. With key administrative decisions delayed, residents face uncertainty regarding the future of local service delivery.

The council leadership is now expected to review the code of conduct and past legal judgments to address the legality of the walkout and determine a path forward for the embattled municipality.

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OFM News/Refilwe Bekane mvh