Civic Groups Vow to Intervene as Kimberley Municipality Faces Crisis
Kimberley, South Africa – In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing leadership crisis at the Sol Plaatje Municipality, civic organisations have declared their intention to step in and provide direction, citing perceived failures in municipal management. The move comes as the Northern Cape provincial government has issued a stern ultimatum, demanding the municipality justify why it should not be placed under administration or dissolved entirely.
The volatile situation boiled over on Wednesday, with tyres being set alight on municipal premises. A group demanding the re-suspension of Municipal Manager Thapelo Matlala, pending the outcome of his disciplinary hearing, gathered in the rain, awaiting a briefing that never materialised. Simultaneously, a counter-protest by a group supporting Matlala created a tense standoff outside the municipality.
The unrest has roots in a previous incident on March 24, when a scuffle broke out between security guards and members of the public attempting to access municipal offices. These individuals were reportedly trying to remove Matlala from his position. Matlala had returned to his duties after his precautionary suspension for alleged misconduct, bringing the municipality into disrepute, and irregular appointments lapsed in January. Court orders had permitted his return to office.
The municipality’s leadership, including Speaker Dipuo Peters and Executive Mayor Martha Bartlett, has been embroiled in legal battles. An appeal concerning legal costs, which opposition parties argue were incurred without proper council resolution and amount to approximately R4.8 million, was initially withdrawn and then later reinstated.
Civic Organisations Take a Stand
A crucial meeting on March 24 brought together representatives from prominent civic groups, including Women Waging War Against GBVF, Justice4All, the Abahambe National Civic Movement, youth formations, and the Kimberley Ratepayers Association. These organisations, which were instrumental in initiating Matlala’s suspension last year, have now warned of more direct action. They have vowed to stage a continuous protest outside his office, equipped with necessities like blankets, pillows, paraffin stoves, tyres, and chamber pots, to physically prevent him from entering.
Sephiwe Millicent Wolfe, chairperson of Women Waging War Against GBVF, expressed frustration, stating that the Speaker and Mayor were being “bullied” and that their voices were being undermined. She highlighted the absence of key provincial stakeholders, including the Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) department and the Office of the Premier, from recent meetings.
“Where is the acting municipal executive?” Wolfe questioned, advocating for the municipality to be placed under administration. She asserted that if the current leadership fails in its duties, the civic groups are prepared to “lead the council ourselves.” Wolfe emphasised that Sol Plaatje Municipality is a public institution and should not be subject to the whims of individuals or patronage networks.
A key concern raised by the civic groups is the equitable distribution of economic opportunities arising from the R2.5 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant, intended for water infrastructure improvements. They argue that contracts should benefit local businesses, women, and youth, rather than being awarded to companies from outside the province, such as Limpopo.
Demands for Intervention and Accountability
Rentia McGaulty, secretary for Women Waging War Against GBVF, appealed directly to the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs for intervention. She described the municipality as being in a “state of limbo” and held “to ransom by one man.” McGaulty expressed surprise at Matlala’s return to office while his disciplinary hearing was slated to commence. She also alleged that members of her group, including women, had been assaulted by security guards and prevented from entering municipal buildings.
“We will not be bribed and are here to do the right thing,” McGaulty stated, signalling a resolute stance. “It is time to fight fire with fire.” She revealed that members had to “trade in their belongings at Cash Crusaders” to fund the transportation of unemployed youth to participate in the protests.
Herbert Japhta, convenor of Community Alliance South Africa (CASA), echoed the sentiment of neglect, accusing politicians of prioritising self-interest over the city’s needs. “Do not burden us with internal administrative troubles at Sol Plaatje,” Japhta warned. “You are taking us lightly and wasting our time. We will assist council to do what it is supposed to do. This is a friendly warning of what will happen.”
Lash Oliphant of the Kimberley Ratepayers Association raised concerns about the lack of arrests in connection with allegations of misconduct, maladministration, and potential corruption linked to the R6.8 million upgrade of the Eagle Street and Legaeng pump stations, which are reportedly non-operational. “We are here to safeguard the BFI fund to ensure it is used for its intended purpose,” Oliphant declared. “Those who steal public funds must be jailed.”
Municipal Leadership’s Response and Challenges
Vincent Phuroe, Manager in the Office of the Mayor, confirmed receipt of the civic groups’ grievances on March 19. He explained that the leadership required time for consultation. However, he noted that both the Mayor and Speaker were on sick leave for the entire week. Even if present, they would have been unable to attend the meeting due to being cited in court papers, rendering the matter sub judice.
Phuroe confirmed that Matlala’s disciplinary hearing would proceed. He stated that the Mayor had received communication from Matlala’s lawyer advising his return to duty, but the executive had advised against his presence on municipal premises due to the ongoing court proceedings. “It is a battle. We are waiting for the matter to be concluded before a decision is made as to what will happen,” Phuroe added.
ANC Councillor Frikkie Banda indicated that the grievances would be forwarded to the head of the institution for relay to the MEC for Coghsta. Thapelo Nkukane, chairperson of the committee for utility and trading services, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to engage with the political leadership. He also noted the desire to see young people employed and stated that the Mayor, who had been admitted to Lenmed Hospital, would be advised to seek clarity on the matter “without any excuses.”
Protest actions continued into Thursday, underscoring the deep-seated dissatisfaction and the ongoing struggle for accountability and effective governance within the Sol Plaatje Municipality.
