The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) notes and welcomes the decisive action taken by the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State Province to remove Cllr Thanduxolo Khalipha as the Mayor of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. This decision, though overdue, marks a significant turning point for the people of Matjhabeng and the dedicated municipal workers who have endured a troubled era under Khalipha’s totalitarian leadership.
However, we must express our grave concerns about the recent developments. Immediately after this decision, Cllr Khalipha took a leave of absence and appointed an acting Mayor without the Council’s involvement. This action is a blatant defiance of the PEC’s decisions, essentially declaring that he does not respect the PEC’s authority and considers himself above it. Therefore, SAMWU calls for the immediate implementation of the PEC decision on Khalipha’s removal.
For far too long, SAMWU has raised alarms about the deteriorating state of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. Under Cllr Khalipha’s tenure, the municipality has seen a sharp decline in governance, service delivery, and labour relations. The working conditions of municipal employees were arbitrarily changed, creating a climate of fear and retribution where dissent was met with victimisation. Khalipha’s totalitarian leadership style fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, as he seemingly enjoyed impunity, shielded by senior ANC national leaders.
The incident last year, where Cllr Khalipha assaulted one of the municipal workers assigned to protect him, was an egregious example of his disregard for the very people he was meant to serve and protect. This incident was not isolated but emblematic of a broader pattern of abuse and mismanagement. SAMWU has consistently argued that it is the workers who require protection from Khalipha, not the other way around. The ANC’s decision to invoke the step-aside rule in response to this assault is welcomed, but we believe it only scratches the surface of the necessary accountability.
SAMWU urges the ANC to be fully transparent with the residents and the public about the numerous issues leading to Khalipha’s removal. His leadership resulted not only in personal misconduct but also in gross negligence and failure to provide essential services to the community. The residents of Matjhabeng have been deprived of quality services, their trust eroded by years of incompetence and corruption.
As we close this dark chapter, SAMWU looks ahead with cautious optimism. The removal of Cllr Khalipha is an opportunity to rebuild and restore. We call for the swift election of a new mayor committed to rectifying the wrongs of the past and steering the municipality towards a future of accountability, transparency, and efficient service delivery. SAMWU stands ready to work with the new political leadership to address the pressing issues facing the municipality and its workers. Our commitment to fast-tracking service delivery and improving labour conditions remains unwavering.
Furthermore, SAMWU will closely monitor the progression of the criminal case against Khalipha to ensure that justice is served. The assault on a municipal worker is a grave matter, and we will not rest until justice is served. SAMWU remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of municipal workers and to champion the cause of effective and ethical governance for the benefit of all residents of Matjhabeng. The journey ahead is long, but together, we will rebuild and reclaim the dignity and integrity of our municipality.
In conclusion, SAMWU calls for a new era of transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery in Matjhabeng. This decision to remove Cllr Khalipha must be implemented without delay. We remain committed to working with the community and the new leadership to rebuild trust and restore the dignity of our municipality. Importantly, we want to see the municipality change the lives of residence though the delivery of quality and uninterrupted services.
Issued by SAMWU Free State
Tiisetso Mahlatsi
Provincial Secretary
079 152 9648
Or
Papikie Mohale
National Media Officer
076 795 8670