Mayor Masilela brushes aside no-confidence motion, deems it election ploy
MIDDELBURG – Talks from the grapevine to oust Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela from his post in Steve Tshwete have now materialized into a vote of no-confidence, according to reports.
The mayor acknowledged being aware of the looming threat to his position. “On 12 April, I received a letter from the accounting officer informing me of a motion against me,” he revealed during a radio interview.
A leaked notice obtained by the paper indicates that the motion, understandably submitted by the Middelburg and Hendrina Residents Front (MHRF), is filed in accordance with Rule 87 and provisions as per Rule 86.
“We, the undersigned, therefore submit this motion against Mayor Mr. M. Masilela to be tabled at a date and time indicated by the speaker of council,” the notice reads.
It also cites Masilela’s perceived weak leadership style, which allegedly resulted in several investigations into corruption allegations against municipal officials.
“That this motion calls for his removal due to the lack of clear leadership in his role in the municipality. And the poor leadership he has shown in council and the administration due to the many ongoing investigations of corruption against many officials during his tenure,” the notice states.
However, Masilela refuted claims of losing control of the municipality. “That is a fallacy,” he retorted. “As an executive, if there’s an issue, we have the section 79 committee where I am held accountable. If there are failures in terms of council work or other issues in council debates that I did not address, it should be raised there.”
He also dismissed reports of investigations into municipal officials. “The only investigation I am aware of is the one initiated by the accounting officer on 31 October 2023, which led the council to suspend the chief financial officer and the executive director of infrastructure,” he clarified”What I know is the investigation brought by the accounting officer on 31 October 2023 which prompted council to take a resolution to suspend the chief financial officer and the executive director of infrastructure,” he said. “Other investigations I do not know. I think this motion comes because it is elections. We will have to wait for the accounting officer to process them.”
