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The DA in the Letsemeng Local Municipality is appalled by Speaker Xolani Hani Mthukwani's complete disregard for transparency in the investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) into the awarding of an R40 million contract to a company in Bloemfontein for the upgrading of bulk water infrastructure in Koffiefontein and Dithake Township.

During the Special Council Meeting held on Thursday 26 January 2023 it was clear that the Speaker was protecting himself and the rest of the ANC cadres by abusing his powers in a council sitting. He refused to allow all councillors to speak even if he recognized their hands. He jumped through items on the agenda without even giving councillors a fair opportunity to ask questions.

The DA wrote to the municipality's Speaker on January 7, 2023, requesting a Special Council Meeting to obtain answers regarding the Hawks investigation. The Special Council Meeting was held on January 26th, after being postponed on January 17th.

The date changes and conduct of the Speaker in the Council clearly show that he has forgotten about the people of Letsemeng. The focus of the ANC is on its cadres and not on serving the interests of the community.

The Speaker has to be reminded that the council represents the people of Letsemeng. The community has the right to know what is going on in the Letsemeng Local Municipality. The ANC conveniently forgets about the people who voted for them.

The DA have given the ANC in Letsemeng enough opportunity to answer to allegations of corruption within the municipality. We as the DA will remember who voted for us and will not stand down for corrupt ANC members who abuse their powers by trying to silence us and not allowing us to represent the communities of Letsemeng who voted for us.

The DA respects the rule of law and will give the Hawks a fair opportunity to investigate this matter. We will write to the MEC COGTA regarding the abuse of power by the Speaker.

Issued by Mariska Potgieter - DA Councillor Letsemeng Local Municipality