Press Statement by Sithi Silosini DA Councillor Lekwa Local Municipality
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Lekwa welcomes the appointment of Thobeka Mtshiselwa as the Acting Municipal Manager of Lekwa Local Municipality. Over the past few weeks, the DA fought the municipality tirelessly to remove the former Acting Municipal Manager, Mthembeni Jiyani who was occupying this position unlawfully.
Mtshiselwa has assumed this critical responsibility at a time when the municipality faces significant governance, infrastructure and service delivery challenges.Her appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Lekwa, where decisive leadership, sound administration and strict adherence to legislation are required to restore public confidence and stabilise municipal operations.
The DA believes that residents deserve an administration that prioritises service delivery, accountability and good governance above political considerations. We therefore look forward to Mtshiselwa providing the leadership necessary to advance several key priorities that have remained outstanding for far too long.
Among these priorities is the completion and commissioning of the Water Treatment Plant project, which is intended to alleviate the growing strain on water supply and improve water security for the residents of Lekwa. Communities have waited long enough for this critical infrastructure investment to deliver tangible benefits.
We also look forward to the completion and handover of the Switching Station and associated 6-kilometre electrical line project, which is expected to strengthen electricity supply capacity and reduce pressure on the municipality’s ageing electrical infrastructure.
Furthermore, the DA expects urgent attention to be given to the ongoing matter of the municipal Travel Policy, which currently allows certain middle managers to receive travel allowances amounting to 40% of their gross salaries. This arrangement remains inconsistent with the resolutions and objectives of the Financial Recovery Plan and requires immediate review and correction to ensure compliance, fairness and financial sustainability.
The DA further anticipates the tabling of the long-awaited Skills Audit report, which stems directly from a Democratic Alliance motion adopted by Council in 2022. This audit is essential to understanding the municipality’s skills capacity, identifying gaps within the administration and ensuring that appointments are aligned with competency requirements and service delivery needs.
While we welcome this appointment, we remain committed to our constitutional duty as the official opposition to exercise oversight, demand accountability and ensure that the interests of Lekwa residents remain paramount.
The DA will support every effort that advances service delivery, financial recovery and good governance. Equally, we will not hesitate to hold the administration accountable where progress is lacking or where the interests of residents are compromised.