The Tswelopele Local Municipality elected Cllr Mantso Radienyane as the unopposed mayor on 2 July, four months before the national local government elections (LGE).
The election followed the removal of former mayor councillor Kenalemang Phukuntsi through a motion of no confidence, pending investigations into allegations of misconduct.
The special council sitting was held at the Bultfontein Town Hall and chaired by the Speaker of Council, Cllr Motshabinyana Raseu. Councillors, senior municipal officials, and members of the public attended.
Council resolved to remove Phukuntsi in accordance with Section 58 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998, which empowers municipal councils to elect and remove mayors to safeguard accountability and ethical governance.
Raseu said the motion was necessary to uphold the integrity of council and protect the interests of Tswelopele residents.
Radienyane served as chief whip
Radienyane served as chief whip of council before her election, a role in which she enforced council discipline and ensured adherence to procedures. Municipal officials said the leadership change aimed to prevent governance paralysis and ensure service delivery projects continue ahead of the 4 November elections.
A senior official said the sitting provided administrative continuity and positioned the municipality to complete its term with focus.
The new mayor is expected to prioritise financial recovery, infrastructure maintenance, and public participation in the months ahead.
Council called on councillors, officials, labour unions and communities to support Radienyane.
“We must work together to restore confidence in local government,” the resolution stated.
The unopposed election signals council is seeking to present a united front ahead of what is expected to be a contested election in November.
Radienyane will meet ward councillors and community structures in coming weeks to assess service delivery challenges and outline her 100-day plan.
ALSO READ: Information blackout criticised as Matjhabeng water outages escalate
