R1-20/FREE
2016
26 August
Vaalwater educator becomes Mayor of Modimolle-Mookgophong Mzamane Ringane
Newly elected Mayor Marlene van Staden speaks to the community shortly after her inauguration. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
DA Councillor Dingaan Motshwene is the Chief-whip of the LIM 368 municipality. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
EFF Councillors wore their traditional red colours during the first sitting of the LIM 368 council meeting. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Councillor Klaas Mabunda proved to be a good sport when he stood up to congratulate his competitor Councillor Johann Abrie, who won the vote for the Speaker position. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
The DA threesome made up of farmer Johann Abrie, educator Marlene van Staden and informal trader Dingaan Motshwene have been entrusted to govern the newest municipality in the Waterberg. The new municipality, currently known as LIM 368 Municipality, is a merger of Modimolle Local Municipality and Mookgophong Municipality. The African National Congress, which was once the ruling party in these two amalgamated municipalities, has now been relegated to the ranks of the opposition. Members of the public packed the public gallery at the Waterberg District Municipality’s council chambers on Tuesday, 23 August, while many others had to remain outside as there was were not enough seats to accommodate everyone. DA political head for the Phambili Region, Desiree van der Walt, and the EFF’s provincial coordinator, Jossie Butane were among members of the community in the public gallery. The newly inaugurated Mayor Marlene van Staden, an educator at Vaalwater and formerly a reporter for The BEAT’s sister publication The Post, sent out a stern warning to all municipal officials who benefited themselves by sticking their hands in the cookie jar. “All officials who worked ethically and who were focused on the community in the previous administration, don’t worry, your jobs are safe. We are really looking
forward to working with each of you,” Van Staden said. She said the DA led administration is going to demand professional work, high ethical standards and officials who are willing to serve the public. The newly elected mayor said the provision of water and electricity will be among the priorities of the new, combined municipality. During the election for the mayoral position a total of 28 councillors took part in the voting process, with ANC councillor Rewahla Patrick Mashaba receiving 11 votes, while the DA’s councillor Van Staden claimed victory with a decisive 17 votes. Eyebrows were raised when the ANC received only 11 votes, while they had a total of 13 councillors who voted. Could this be an indication that two ANC councillors opted not to vote for their party? The question remains unanswered. In the elections for the Speaker, Councillor Klaas Mabunda of the ANC was in competition with DA Councillor Johann Abrie. Mabunda received 12 votes, while Abrie received 15 votes. One ballot paper was deemed to be spoilt. On the other hand, ANC Councillor Jan Mahoro lost by two votes to DA Councillor Dingaan Motshwene, when the two were competing for the position of the Chief-whip. ANC Councillors Rewahla Patrick Mashaba, Grace Mashitisho, and William Kola will serve in the EXCO alongside DA Councillor Marlene Van Staden and EFF Councillor Lesetja William Monyela.