By Nkhensani Chauke
The embattled Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo has elected a new mayor, Speaker, and Chief Whip during its first council sitting following by-elections held on December 4, 2024.
At the meeting, Tumisang Pilane was elected as mayor, Dingaan Sebata as Speaker, and Lettah Ndiweni as Chief Whip.
Pilane is a former ANC Youth League leader, and branch Chairperson in the Waterberg region.
The council also confirmed four full-time councillors, namely, Pilane, Tokkie Swanepoel, Hendric Selokela and Andries Tshukudu.
The inaugural council meeting, convened at the Kumba Bioscope Hall on Thursday, adhered to Section 29(2) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, which governs the establishment and functioning of municipal councils.
Acting Municipal Manager Mathudi Chuma said that the meeting aimed to address agenda items shared with council members.
“This meeting is held in Kumba Hall to process the items in line with the agenda shared with the members of the council of Thabazimbi Local Municipality,” Chuma said.
The by-elections were necessitated by the municipality’s dissolution in August 2024 by Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba and the National Council of Provinces.
Initially, the council consisted of 23 councillors.
However, Chuma confirmed that a resignation from the MK party’s representative reduced the number to 22 councillors.
“Yesterday, we received a resignation from one of the councillors representing the MKP party. We have written to the IEC to declare the vacancy for the PR councillor. For now, the council comprises 22 councillors from various political parties,” Chuma said.
Municipality’s administrator Paul Maseko acknowledged the progress made but highlighted the challenges ahead.
“There’s still a lot to be done. Our job is half done. We will officially hand over in the coming days, but we hope to stay a little longer to guide the new council,” Maseko said.
Sebata, the newly elected Speaker, acknowledged the significant responsibilities of his role, urging fellow councillors to prioritise employee well-being for effective service delivery.
“The people of Thabazimbi have been through a lot. We need to put our differences aside and focus on service delivery. If our employees are happy, the community will be served better,” Sebata said.
The IEC lauded the newly elected councillors, expressing confidence in their ability to fulfill their renewed mandate.
The ANC in Waterberg region also commended the council’s first sitting and the election of its Political Management Team (PMT).
“The ANC in Waterberg congratulates the Thabazimbi Municipal Council for conveying its first sitting of council, and the subsequent election of its Political Management Team-PMT,” the ANC said.
“The ANC wishes this cohort of councillors all the best, as they toil hard work to improve the delivery of service in Thabazimbi.”
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