ANC factions lock opposition out of Mahikeng council meeting, DA Caucus Leader assaulted

8 June 2016

The Democratic Alliance Caucus Leader in Mahikeng, Cllr Lisa Schickerling, will today lay assault charges against members of the ANC following disruptions in the Mahikeng council yesterday. 

After being illegally locked out of the chamber for hours, Schickerling was hardhandedly shoved and had a door shut in her face, when trying to enter the chamber to gather her personal belongings.   

Schickerling attempted to lay the charges last night, but police officers at the Mmabatho Police Station refused to assist her. She will now approach the Mahikeng Police Station.

During yesterday’s council meeting, where the budget was tabled for approval, the ANC caucus asked for a 20 minute recess to caucus on matters concerning the appointment of a Municipal Manager. The rules allow for a 20 minute recess to caucus. 

ANC infighting quickly turned the 20 minute caucus into an illegal 3 hour battle between ANC factions. During this time the opposition was locked out of the council meeting and were forced to wait in the passages outside the chamber. 

One ANC faction wanted the former Municipal Manager, Mr. Kgotso Rabanye, who is still receiving his full salary after being suspended last year to be re-instated. The other faction wanted to extend Mr Thabo Mokwena, the Acting Municipal Manager’s contract. Factionalism runs so deep within the ANC that a private security firm was called in to remove one of the ANC factions when the situation turned violent. 

Whilst the opposition was locked out, the MEC for Local Government and Housing Fenny Gaolaolwe Acting Chief Director of the department Mr Ephraim Motoku and were allowed to enter the chambers. Officials from the department also addressed the ANC. 

Deliberately locking the opposition out of the meeting for hours and allowing a department to only address the ANC caucus, goes against the principles of democracy as enshrined in our constitution. The ANC tried to justify their undemocratic actions by pointing to the fact that the attendance register was signed by all parties before they kicked the opposition out. 

The budget was finally approved by only 18 ANC councillors. The tabling of the budget is an essential item that must be approved by a two third majority of councillors. 

The council meeting from yesterday is invalid as there was no quorum and the passing of the budget is thus null and void. The ANC rushed this budget through illegally to ensure that Mahikeng’s budget can be used for their own gain. 

This is just another example of how the ANC fails the people by putting themselves first and South Africans last. 

On the 3rd of August the people of Mahikeng can vote DA for change. Change that creates jobs, stops corruption and delivers better services. 

Issued by Lisa Schickerling, DA Caucus Leader Mahikeng, 8 June 2016