The DA yesterday submitted a formal request to the Acting Speaker of the Municipality, Ben Springbok, requesting the meeting for the tabling of a motion of urgency to remove Matika. DA Whip in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Christopher Phiri confirmed to OFM News that 34 out of the 64 councilors voted for Matika to be removed.

Pule Thabane was elected as Acting Mayor while, Boitumelo Stout will act as the Speaker of the municipality.

The Chief Financial officer (CFO), Lydia Mahloko, and Municipal Manager, Goolam Akharwaray, were earlier placed on precautionary suspension following a violent service delivery in the Diamond City over high electricity tariffs. 

Protesters also threatened to bring the city to a standstill if Matika was not removed as mayor.

The DA has meanwhile asked the acting mayor Thabane, to avoid the errors that his predecessor made and to prioritise the needs of the people above politics.

“We hope that Matika’s removal will avert the shutdown and allow for the normal operation of schools, hospitals, clinics and other government services tomorrow. The previous shutdown resulted in unprecedented damage to property, loss of income and looting as a criminal element attempted to hijack the matter. 

Kimberley simply cannot afford a repeat of this situation to happen,” says DA Leader Andrew Louw.

OFM News