Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Mosala Matobole and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Paul Kotzé.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will introduce a motion in terms of Schedule 7 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Section 16(1), calling on the Mangaung Metropolitan Council to resolve that the alleged breach of the Code by the Ward 35 ANC Councillor be formally investigated.
Schedule 7 of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (the “Code of Conduct for Councillors”) under section 16(1) provides that a municipal council may investigate and make a finding on any alleged breach of the Code, or appoint a special committee to do so.
This follows serious allegations that the Ward 35 ANC Councillor in Botshabelo excluded community members from employment opportunities on a municipal road-paving project solely because of their political affiliation with the DA.
According to reports, the Councillor called a public meeting to launch the project and used the platform to publicly state that DA members would not be hired because he “knows them”. When confronted by the DA regarding this blatant act of discrimination, the Councillor defended his actions, claiming that he was following a directive from his party to prioritise ANC members for job opportunities.
Such conduct is not only unethical but also unlawful and deeply damaging to the democratic principles upon which local government is built. By excluding residents from municipal job opportunities based on their political affiliation, the Councillor has effectively denied individuals their constitutional right to equality and fair treatment.
This type of political favouritism fosters resentment, weakens community unity, and destroys public trust in the Mangaung Metro, which is supposed to serve all residents equally. The result is a divided community, where service delivery and opportunity are determined not by merit or need, but by political allegiance.
In addition, the DA will submit formal questions to the Council to determine the disciplinary action to be taken and the measures to be implemented to prevent political interference in municipal employment processes. The DA will also refer this matter to our provincial colleagues in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) for further scrutiny and oversight.
We firmly believe that all residents, regardless of their political affiliation, deserve equal access to opportunities created through public projects. We recognise that fair hiring practices strengthen social cohesion, improve accountability, and restore confidence in municipal governance.
The DA remains committed to promoting a government in Mangaung that upholds meritocracy, transparency, and fairness. Employment opportunities must be based on skills, qualifications, and experience, never on political loyalty.
We will not allow this abuse of power to go unchecked. We will continue to fight for a municipality that serves every citizen equally, restoring integrity, accountability, and dignity to the people of Botshabelo and across Mangaung.