The troubled eastern Free State municipality, ruled by a fragile coalition, elected Tumelo Thebe as its new mayor on Tuesday (14/4), following a period marked by sharp political divisions. Councillors passed a motion of no confidence against controversial former mayor Malekula Melato, paving the way for new leadership.

Thebe secured 35 votes, decisively defeating Paratlane Motloung, who received 25. The outcome signals a clear mandate from councillors and reflects a shift in leadership priorities as the municipality attempts to stabilise its governance.

The municipality has endured weeks of political turbulence, raising expectations that his experience will bring improved stability, stronger governance, and a renewed focus on service delivery in Maluti-a-Phofung.

Thebe is committed to tackling the municipality’s most pressing challenges, particularly water and electricity shortages that continue to frustrate residents. The main issue within local communities is service delivery, including electricity and water supply, and road maintenance.

“It’s not about us as councillors or politicians,” he said. Everyone should keep their mind to improve service delivery and ensure “we deliver as expected”.

Motloung accepted the outcome and expressed respect for the democratic process, signalling his willingness to support efforts to stabilise the municipality.

However, the MK Party in the Free State called on the cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Saki Mokoena to urgently disband the municipality and appoint an administrator to take over its affairs.

MKP provincial secretary Vusi Tshabalala said such intervention is necessary to restore proper governance, financial stability, and accountability, while ensuring effective delivery of essential services.

The provincial ANC recently indicated a potential political and legal confrontation following its loss of control of the embattled municipality. Motloung, representing MaP16, was elected mayor just weeks earlier during chaotic proceedings disrupted by two community members who forcefully entered the venue.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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