Mogalakwena still in limbo

The people of Mogalakwena municipality will have to wait for a written judgement on the municipality’s appeal against a high court order that set aside the interdict preventing Dikgape Makobe from taking over as administrator of the municipality.
Dikgape Makobe was appointed by the department of cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta) about a month ago to administer finance and other functions at the municipality, but was interdicted from entering the offices by the mayor, the municipal manager and council.
The department convinced the court to set the interdict aside, but the municipality immediately appealed.
The appeal was heard last Tuesday when judgement was reserved. The judge indicated a written
judgment would be delivered in due course but did not mention a date.
“What it means is that while still waiting for the
judgment, the department or the MEC cannot interfere with the running of the municipality,” municipal spokesperson, Malesela Selokela told the media last week.
According to the New Age the municipality claimed the department’s decision to place it under administration was irrelevant and aimed at shielding the fired mayor Thlalefi Mashamaite and six councillors sacked due to alleged misuse of public funds.
Earlier, the department denied the allegations insisting the action was aimed at bringing stability to the municipality which was threatened by internal conflicts.