Council proceedings at the Phuthaditjhaba multipurpose hall were unexpectedly interrupted on Thursday (26/3) when two alleged thugs forcefully entered the venue. The situation quickly escalated into violence, halting official business and creating an atmosphere of fear among councillors.

Despite the disruption, Paratlane Motloung from MAP16 was unanimously elected as the new mayor. The vote followed a successful motion of no confidence against ANC councillor and former mayor Malekula Melato.

Thirty council members reportedly voted in favour of Motloung, none opposed his appointment, and five abstained after a caucus request and a walkout by ANC councillors. Initially, 65 out of 70 councillors were present, but after the walkout, only 36 remained. MAP16 Cllr Mojalefa Naledi was appointed acting speaker in accordance with council rules.

Tensions reportedly escalated after the ANC walkout. Allegations have since emerged that individuals described as “township thugs”, allegedly organised in QwaQwa, entered the venue armed with knives in an attempt to disrupt Melato’s removal.

Their actions resulted in significant damage to property, including broken tables and smashed windows, and reports of physical assaults on councillors. Opposition parties, including MAP16 (20 councillors), EFF (7), ACM (2), Sarko (1), Aula (1), and FF Plus (1), ultimately secured Motloung’s election. The DA (5) reportedly abstained from the voting process, which allowed the opposition bloc to carry the decision.

Speaking after his election, Motloung expressed concern over the events while also reflecting on his new role. “We thought that we understood better the environment that we are operating in, of politics that today is me and tomorrow is somebody else.

“We have been there before. Some of us were removed from positions previously that we occupied; there was never this chaotic situation that we saw today. So really it’s unfortunate, I just hope also our colleagues will reflect on what happened today and maybe on reflection make amends.”

The incident might lead to criminal charges, Motloung added. Consultations would take place as council leadership reflects on the events.

’The vote followed a successful motion of no confidence against 
ANC councillor and former mayor‘

He also expressed humility at being elected mayor, acknowledging the confidence shown in him by fellow councillors and emphasising the need for collective support and strengthened administration going forward.

The ANC in the Free State says it is concerned about the incident that took place in Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality (MAP) during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the province. “In terms of the law, the provincial government will brief the ANC, and upon receiving a full report, the ANC will then act. We have noted the unfortunate situation in which the ANC deployee, the mayor, has been ousted through a chaotic process,“ said Free State ANC spokesperson, Thabo Meeko.

”At face value, what we are seeing is a very chaotic process, and we are not even sure whether it is legal. I am sure investigations will reveal that. However, the ANC is calling for calm in that municipality and town, because from the videos we have seen, members of the public also appear to have been involved.” 

Meeko added that political parties in Maluti-a-Phofung must exercise tolerance towards one another and engage constructively in the interests of community members and the integrity of the municipality. He cautioned that any member found guilty of wrongdoing would be dealt with in line with the ANC’s renewal project.

 OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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