The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Lephalale Municipality strongly condemns the blatant political interference and cadre deployment by the ANC in the appointment of a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the water-pipe replacement project serving Wards 3 and 4 in Onverwacht, Lephalale. The DA will demand that:
• An independent investigation into the appointment of the CLO be immediately instituted; and
• The gross interference of Mayor Aron Moghetle in this matter be investigated and followed by disciplinary action.
It has come to light that Joel Madibana, an ANC councillor from Ward 13, was instructed by Mayor Moghetle to handpick a CLO for the project — a process carried out without following proper municipal procedures and without the knowledge or consent of the DA ward councillors for Wards 3 and 4.
This deliberate act of political manipulation has undermined transparency, fairness, and accountability in the implementation of a crucial public project intended to serve the community. Instead of following due process, the ANC has once again used public projects to reward political allies, showing total disregard for the residents who depend on these essential services.
As a direct result of this interference, tensions have risen among community members, leading to unnecessary division and conflict. This is the inevitable outcome of the ANC’s cadre deployment policy, which prioritises party loyalty over service delivery and fair employment opportunities.
The DA calls for the implementation of a transparent, community-inclusive appointment process that ensures fairness and accountability. The residents of Wards 3 and 4 deserve honest governance and fair opportunities, not ANC backroom deals and political patronage.
Service delivery belongs to the people, not to political insiders.
The DA will continue to expose and oppose the ANC practice of cadre deployment – it is an inherent corrupt practice. It undermines democracy, divides communities, and blocks fair access to development and opportunity.