MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, is entrusted with the crucial task of revitalising and restoring the functionality of Thabazimbi.
In a decisive move aimed at restoring stability to the embattled Thabazimbi Local Municipality, the Executive Council of the Limpopo Province has moved forward with interventions under the provisions of Section 139 (1) (c) of the South African Constitution.
This section allows provincial executives to step in when a municipality fails to fulfill its executive obligations. The intervention could involve dissolving the municipal council and appointing an administrator until new council elections are held.
The decision, finalised on August 14, 2024, was prompted by a detailed report highlighting ongoing governance and management challenges that have plagued the municipality since 2021.
According to the report, Thabazimbi Municipality has been experiencing significant dysfunction, with critical management positions remaining unfilled for an extended period, further exacerbating governance failures.
The Executive Council initially gave the municipality until September 4, 2024, to respond to the intervention proposal. In a show of goodwill, the council granted an extension of seven days after the municipality requested more time. However, Thabazimbi Municipality failed to meet the extended deadline of September 11, 2024, to submit their representation or proposals to address these issues.
As a result, the Executive Council has decided to proceed with implementing the provisions of Section 139 (1) (c). This will entail dissolving the current municipal council and appointing an administrator to manage the municipality’s affairs and oversee operations until new elections are held.
This decision marks a critical step towards stabilising the governance of Thabazimbi Municipality. By appointing an administrator, the province aims to resolve persistent administrative issues, restore public confidence, and ensure that essential services are delivered efficiently to residents.
Community members and stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to this intervention. Some residents are hopeful that provincial oversight will bring positive changes and improve the delivery of services that have been lacking in recent years.
Others are concerned about the temporary loss of their locally elected representatives and what that means for their community’s autonomy.
In the coming weeks, the appointed administrator will work closely with the provincial government to address immediate issues faced by the municipality, such as filling key management vacancies and ensuring financial accountability. Additionally, efforts will focus on developing and implementing strategic plans for sustainable governance and service delivery improvements.
The Executive Council emphasises that this intervention is not punitive but rather a necessary step to return the municipality to a functional and efficient state. The appointed administrator will aim to deliver tangible improvements and prepare Thabazimbi for the eventual transition back to elected local governance.
As this situation develops, residents of Thabazimbi and other stakeholders are encouraged to engage constructively with the administration to provide their input and support in the municipality’s recovery efforts. The goal is to achieve a turnaround that ensures effective, transparent, and accountable governance for the benefit of all community members.