Elections are over
– now what?
With the election behind us, residents of Modimolle and Mookgophong are staring an uncertain future in the face. Photo: Herman Steyn
R1-20/FREE
2016
12 August
Ronél van Jaarsveld The elections are over and the winners have celebrated their victory while the losers licked their wounds. But what is going to happen next? Residents of Modimolle and Mookgophong are uncertain of the future, now that the two municipalities are combining. The Modimolle/Mookgophong municipal council will consist of 28 councillors. The election results determined that the ANC will have 12 councillors, the DA seven, the EFF six, and the VF+ two. Legally, the first council meeting must occur within 14 days after the election — thus, before Saturday, 20 August. At this meeting a Mayor, Speaker, and Chief Whip need to be appointed. Until this happens, the municipality is in the hands of municipal officials. The Municipal Manager will most likely act as chair for the first meeting. That is where things could get interesting. If the rumours are true and a coalition is formed between the DA, the EFF, and the VF+, they will have 15 votes to the ANC’s 13, they will be able to elect the Mayor, Chief Whip, and Speaker. Tactically, this decision is very important. Wiets Botes, who stood as an independent candidate, explained that the political head of the municipality acts as the chairperson, which can be described as the ‘engine room’ of the municipality. This council has the power to drive through certain decisions which do not have to be approved by the council. The role of the Speaker is vital, because this is the person who decides what issues may be addressed during meetings, and who is responsible for the management of the council members. The role of Chief Whip is to, after communication with provincial leaders, arrange caucus meetings with the members to pass on information, and to call these meetings during council meetings in order to discuss decisions. Desirée van der Walt of the DA, who has the second-most votes in the council, said that decisions needed to be made soon. “We have to decide about ways to ‘take over’ in order to get this municipality back in shape,” she said. “Is coalition the right word? If so, with whom? Or should we remain the opposition and handle the council one item at a time? We, like the electorate, expect a corruption-free municipality that delivers quality services. The party is in discussions with several other opposition parties.” She said that it was important that residents realise that the DA’s goals during Story continue on page 3.