Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

The DA in Limpopo has welcomed the decision by Makhuduthamaga municipality's mayor Queen Mokhabela to reshuffle her executive team.

Mokhabela reshuffled her team on Friday after allegations that some council members were not working together, thereby undermining service delivery.

The hardest hit was Maena Bahula, the long-serving speaker of the council. She was sacked from the position after accusations of dividing the council. Bahula was appointed speaker during the 2000 local government elections.

Sources at the municipality said Bahula had become big-headed and even defied the mayor on several occasions.

Nomvula Modibetsane, DA councillor in Greater Sekhukhune district municipality, said the mayor had taken a bold step in reshuffling the executive team.

"We view the reshuffle as a wise move and one of the best decisions ever taken at the municipality," said Modibetsane.

She said she hoped the developments would bring about changes in the area.

"For 13 months there has been no service delivery because of in-fighting in the municipality. When councillors fight, it's people on the ground who suffer the most," she said.

Modibetsane said the municipality had also experienced an exodus of staff members because of conflicts between councillors.

Petrus Chabedi was appointed speaker. Other executive committee members who were relegated to ordinary councillors were Emily Mndebele-Magabe, John Mosotho and Nkopodi Kgalema.

They were replaced by Judy Mphelane, Hilda Makgoga and Abel Mampane.

Maserumule Kotole Matlala, the acting municipal manager, said the decision was taken to improve the efficiency of the executive committee and the council.