By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality in the North West, James Tsolela has resigned with immediate effect amidst the allegations of corruption.
The move comes after the provincial ANC leadership recommended his removal to the ANC’s Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, following the investigations on the matter.
It is understood that the party’s provincial executive committee (PEC) acted on media reports and evidence it received about the municipal leaderships known as Troika that were involved in instances of corruption at the municipality.
After investigating the matter, the provincial leadership established that there were answerable case on the matter.
In a letter dated June 24, in which the mayor tenders his resignation reads as follows:
“I hereby resign as the executive mayor of the City of Matlosana Municipalities, with immediate effect. I thank the ANC for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Matlosana as the executive mayor, the job I did with utmost diligence,” he said.
However, Tsolela said his resignation was not an admission of guilt but merely to allow due processes to take effect.
“In conclusion, I want to put it categorically clear that my resignation is by no means an admittance of guilt to the allegations levelled against me. I remain ethical and loyal to my oath of office as the councillor of Matlosana of the City of Matlosana and I will continue to serve the people of this city even when I am no longer the Executive Mayor. l hope and trust that you will find this in order,” he said.
Fullview understands the municipality’s CFO, Mercy Phetla, was also implicated and was suspended after it was established that she was involved in serious acts of corruption.