Mpumalanga Cabinet endorses municipal takeover
01 July 2009
Cabinet has learnt with sadness the reported loss of two
lives that occurred in the Mkhondo municipality following violent uprisings over
the last week. Cabinet expressed its condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the
affected families and community of Mkhondo.
In the same vein, Cabinet strongly condemned the reported
incidents of violent activities. That includes the burning of property, clinics,
vandalism, barricading of roads and threats to human lives. Of particular
concern was the burning down of three houses that belonged to local councilors.
The provincial government views these criminal incidents with serious light and
will act accordingly to bring perpetrators of such deeds to face the full text
of the law.
In line with the above, Cabinet called on law enforcement
agencies to act decisively when confronted with such situations.
Following an institution of an investigation and the
subsequent acts of violence that threatened the stability of the area and posed
serious threats to human lives, the Mpumalanga Executive Council has welcomed
and endorsed the decision to implement section 139 1. (b) of the South African
constitution in the Mkhondo
According to Section139 1. (b), when a municipality cannot
or fulfill an executive obligation in terms of the legislation, the provincial
government may intervene by taking appropriate steps to ensure fulfillment of
that obligation.
In line with the above, the province has decided to assume
the responsibility on overseeing the municipal administration and exercise all
executive functions in terms of Section 55 of the municipal structures .This
follows a series of interactions between the department of co operative
governance and the municipality over governance and administrative challenges
The MEC for Co operative Governance and Traditional
Affairs, Mr Norman Mokoena, has also announced the appointment of Mr. N.Khosa as
the new administrator for the municipality with immediate effect. The
administrator is expected to investigate all the allegations leveled against the
council, oversee the administration and restore the council activities back to
normality and functionality, particularly the acceleration of community
services.
As required by law, the province will write a formal
notice to the national Minister of Co operative governance, Mr. Sicelo Shiceka,
and members of the National Council of Provinces within the stipulated 14 days.
Enquiries:
Ntime Skhosana
Cell: 0824966875
Tel: 0137662055
Issued by Office of the Premier
