Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Coreen Malherbe and Sesotho by David Masoeu MPL.
The troubled Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha has been suspended according to a statement issued by ANC Free State Provincial Secretary, on behalf of the PEC. No confirmation has yet been received from the municipality regarding the suspension of the Khalipha. This follows after Mr Khalipha, on 24 May 2024, appeared briefly in the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court, where his case was remanded to 20 August 2024 for trial.
He was released on a warning following his arrest in March 2024 for allegedly slapping and swearing at one of his bodyguards. This incident happened at the Kutlwanong High School in Odendaalsrus. He was removed from the scene by his bodyguards when violence erupted.
After the incident, Tiisetso Mahlatse, the Provincial Secretary of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) emphasised that justice must prevail for the affected bodyguards. However, the then, Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana expressed his full support for Khalipa suggesting rather that some individuals are looking for the mayor’s downfall to access municipal resources.
In May 2024, Mahlatse criticised the ANC leadership’s handling of this matter. He argued that it reveals a bias within the justice system. According to the ANC Constitution, rule 25.70, he should have been suspended as a public representative. Meanwhile, on 15 May 2024, another assault and intimidation case was filed against Khalipha.
In May 2023 there were also further allegations of misconduct and corruption against Khalipha. He has been accused of using municipal resources for his benefit. It was alleged that the mayor used the services of a municipal service provider for the construction of this magnificent R3.4-million mansion.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lodged the complaint query with the Speaker’s Office and is awaiting the outcome of the Speaker’s investigation for breach of the code of conduct of Councillors. The Democratic Alliance remains steadfast in rooting out corruption.