JOHANNESBURG – The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in the Free State notes and welcomes the verdict delivered by the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court, which found Councillor Thanduxolo Khalipha, Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality, guilty on three counts of assault and crimen injuria. This judgement reaffirms a crucial principle: no one, regardless of rank or authority, is above the law.
This conviction follows a disturbing incident on 28 February 2024 during a community meeting at Kutlwanong High School, where Mayor Khalipha’s behaviour exposed an unacceptable abuse of power by assaulting a municipal worker who is employed to protect him. Khalipha’s actions reveal the urgent need for accountability among public officials and the profound failure of leadership within our municipalities.
SAMWU condemns Mayor Khalipha’s conduct in the strongest terms and demands his immediate removal from his roles as both Councillor and Mayor, moreso now that Khalipha has been convicted. His behaviour not only tarnishes the reputation of the municipality but also compromises the safety and dignity of workers, which should be upheld by law.
Khalipha’s unfit leadership is emblematic of the broader issues plaguing the municipality, which has left the communities of Matjhabeng deprived of essential services. Protecting workers’ rights and ensuring their safety must be paramount. No worker should feel unsafe or threatened in the line of duty, and we cannot allow leadership that fosters a climate of fear and intimidation.
As we await Mayor Khalipha’s sentencing on 12 December 2024, SAMWU urges the African National Congress to act swiftly in removing him from office. Our communities deserve leaders who prioritise their safety and wellbeing, and SAMWU is fully committed to standing for positive change.
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