Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung would like to clarify our stance on the upcoming Motion of No Confidence (MONC) against Executive Mayor Melato. The motion was brought by Cllr Napo Letlala from SARKO and supported by MAP16.
The DA in MAP will not be participating in any jockeying for relevance so close to the Local Government Elections. We will not take sides to restructure fragile coalitions to advance personal interests or bruised egos. The appointment of a new mayor at this juncture would have little effect on the already paralysed local government. It could, in fact, completely collapse the little continuity in service delivery we have.
Motions of no confidence are a procedure used in democratic systems and are critical for determining whether the majority still supports the government. In the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality, it is often used to highlight political tension and chaos, as the majority of the MAP Council prioritises political loyalty over merit.
By abstaining, the DA is emphasising its stance that it neither supports nor opposes the mayor. We find the exercise flippant, and the alternative has proven unable to govern any better.
Voting for the DA will bring the change the voters so desperately need. The DA has a proven track record of stable, transparent and ethical management of municipalities.
Voters must make their voices heard in the Local Government Elections.