Note to Editors: Please find attached English, Afrikaans and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Thabo Nthapo.
The recent appointment of Mayor Andrew Visagie in Letsemeng has brought nothing but hope for himself.
The mayor is seen clearly contravening the ethics of good governance and ethical leadership.
Phambili residents in a small section of Ward 7 have, over the years, faced serious service delivery challenges and issues with formal placement; instead, the mayor has used the vulnerability of poor people to run a hiring process himself, rather than through the Letsemeng administration.
The mayor of Letsemeng has been seen implementing projects across Letsemeng disguised as municipal projects, even though most of the projects are not budgeted for; the mayoral incentive program is now taking place without Council approval.
He is using his own face on the municipality’s logo as the face of the municipality, without Council approval.
Such actions by the mayor compromise the institution’s well-being and clearly demonstrate the mayor’s exercise of power.
The DA will write to the Public Protector to report the mayor’s actions.
Municipal employment processes must be transparent, fair and administered through the proper channels, so that residents have an opportunity to access jobs without political interference or favouritism.
The community of Letsemeng needs a mayor who acts responsibly, not in his own self-interest, because projects implemented only to retain his position will have serious financial implications for the municipality.
The DA will not stand by and watch as the mayor politicises the institution’s credibility.