Thabazimbi Municipality teeters on the edge of dissolution as investigation uncovers governance challenges

Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo is teetering on the edge of dissolution, as a thorough investigation by Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration has unearthed plethora of issues plaguing  municipality.

Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda is considering recommending dissolution of the municipality, citing governance and management challenges stemming from parallel council and management structures.

The municipality in has been in a state of constant turmoil since the 2021 local government elections, with Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) forming parallel councils and vying for control.

The situation has deteriorated to the point where provincial executive council (PEC)  decided to place municipality under administration.

 Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba recently announced decision, citing persistent governance and management issues within municipality since 2022.

 The council was given timeline to respond to why provisions of Section 139 should not be implemented.

The decision to place municipality under administration has sparked controversy, with DA accusing ANC of using underhanded tactics to reclaim power.

Mayor Tokkie Swanepoel elected by the DA-led council, expressed her frustration with the situation, stating she was blindsided by PEC’s decision.

The municipality is currently operating with two parallel structures, each claiming to be  legitimate.

This division has led to collapse of services, governance, and non-compliance with legislative prescripts.

The intervention by PEC is aimed at addressing these challenges and restoring stability to Thabazimbi.

Since the 2021 local government elections, Thabazimbi Municipality has been in a state of instability, with  DA and ANC forming parallel councils, each with its own set of administrative officials.

This political infighting has had a detrimental impact on service delivery, leaving residents without basic necessities like water and sanitation.

The municipality has been thrown into chaos as instability between the DA and ANC-led coalitions  reached a breaking point.

This has led to formation of parallel councils, with each coalition claiming legitimacy and power.

The situation has become even more dire as seven ANC councillors were not paid their December salaries due to the ongoing squabbles between the two rival councils.

The municipality is currently operating with two mayors, two speakers, two municipal managers, and two chief financial officers.

Recently, the province of Limpopo provincial government decided to place the municipality under administration due to the collapse of services, governance, and non-compliance with legislative requirements.

The decision has sparked outrage from the DA,  accusing  ANC of trying to reclaim power through questionable means.

Mayor Tokkie Swanepoel of the DA-led coalition has expressed her frustration with the decision, calling it a ploy by the ANC to regain control.

The residents of Thabazimbi are left in limbo as the municipality remains paralysed by political infighting.

It is clear that urgent action is needed to resolve the situation and ensure  essential services are not compromised.