Zeerust, North West – Tensions flared at the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality on Wednesday as rival security companies clashed inside the municipal building, forcing police intervention and disrupting a scheduled council meeting. The violence stems from an ongoing leadership dispute between two ANC councillors, both claiming to be the rightful mayor.
Leadership Battle Sparks Unrest
The turmoil began mid-July when the Municipal Council voted to remove ANC Councillor Dinah Pitso as mayor and replace her with another ANC councillor, Itumeleng Moarabi. Pitso challenged the decision in the North West High Court, seeking to declare the council’s resolution unlawful. However, her urgent application was dismissed, leaving Moarabi in the position—at least temporarily.
Despite the court’s ruling, Pitso insists she remains the legitimate mayor, while Moarabi maintains his authority. The standoff has paralyzed municipal operations, with offices intermittently closed, services disrupted, and residents unable to pay bills.
Opposition Warns of Service Delivery Collapse
Opposition councillors, particularly from the Forum for Service Delivery, expressed frustration over the political infighting, warning that the community is suffering due to halted services.
“The administration is interfering in council politics instead of focusing on service delivery,” said an opposition councillor. “Decisions were made months ago to improve services, but nothing is being implemented. The municipality has been dysfunctional since July 25.”
Another councillor urged the ANC to resolve its internal conflicts, emphasizing that the council must function to avoid further harm to residents.
Security Clash Halts Council Meeting
The situation escalated when two private security firms, allegedly aligned with the rival factions, clashed inside the municipal building. The brawl forced councillors to evacuate, and the scheduled council meeting was postponed.
Police were called to restore order, but it remains unclear when the council will reconvene. Municipal staff and councillors stood outside the building as tensions lingered, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Residents Bear the Brunt
Local residents are growing increasingly frustrated as essential services, including water, electricity, and billing systems, remain disrupted. Many fear the political instability will lead to further deterioration in living conditions.
With both Pitso and Moarabi refusing to back down, and security tensions adding to the chaos, the Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality faces an uncertain future. For now, the community waits—and suffers—as the power struggle continues.