Zeerust, North West – Tensions are running high at the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality following a controversial council decision to remove Councillor Dinah Pitso as mayor and replace her with Councillor Itumeleng Moarabi.
The dispute has escalated to the courts after Pitso filed an urgent application to interdict the implementation of the council’s resolutions, declaring them unlawful and unprocedural. While the court dismissed the interim relief to halt the resolutions, the legal battle is far from over, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.
ANC Factional Clashes Deepen Crisis
The political upheaval has exposed deep divisions within the African National Congress (ANC) in the region. ANC provincial secretary Louis Dikgwepe Romelo has strongly condemned the move to oust Pitso, labeling it a “coup” and vowing disciplinary action against ANC councillors who allegedly conspired with opposition parties to unseat her.
Romelo reaffirmed the party’s stance that Pitso remains the legitimate mayor, warning that those involved in the plot would face consequences. However, the council’s decision to install Moarabi has created confusion over who holds executive authority in the municipality.
Council in Chaos as Budget Meeting Looms
Amid the leadership tussle, municipal operations have been disrupted, with heightened security measures in place. A council meeting scheduled to pass the budget was set to proceed under tight security, but uncertainty looms over whether the session will resolve the impasse or deepen the conflict.
Local residents and political observers are watching closely as the situation threatens to destabilize governance in the municipality. The ANC’s internal divisions and the looming court case could further delay critical service delivery and budget approvals.
What’s Next?
With legal proceedings pending and the ANC’s provincial leadership backing Pitso, the power struggle shows no signs of immediate resolution. The outcome of the court case and potential disciplinary actions against dissenting ANC councillors will determine whether Pitso reclaims her position or Moarabi solidifies his hold on the mayoral office.
For now, the Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality remains in political limbo, leaving residents caught in the crossfire of a deepening administrative crisis.