The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Thabazimbi rejects with contempt the unlawful, unprocedural and desperate kangaroo-style attempt by ANC Mayor Jacob Pilane to unilaterally dismiss Municipal Manager Clement Letsoalo at a Council meeting convened for 28 February 2026 that ultimately failed to quorate.
This reckless stunt follows growing tension between Mayor Pilane and Municipal Manager Letsoalo, who appears to want to confront corruption and run a lawful and compliant administration. It raises serious questions about why the Mayor is so intent on intimidating Mr Letsoalo and resorting to increasingly desperate tactics to force his removal.
The law is clear. The Municipal Structures Act, read together with the Municipal Systems Act and the regulations governing municipal managers, establishes strict procedural safeguards to prevent exactly this kind of political interference.
A Mayor cannot simply decide to fire a Municipal Manager.
Only the municipal council has the authority to appoint or dismiss a Municipal Manager, and any removal must follow a clearly prescribed disciplinary process.
Mayor Pilane’s conduct therefore reflects either a complete disregard for the law or a deliberate attempt to manipulate council processes for ‘political’ purposes.
Thabazimbi has already suffered the consequences of ANC misrule. In late 2024, following a complete breakdown in governance and the failure to deliver basic services, the municipal Council was dissolved and the municipality placed under administration.
The DA will not allow the ANC to drag Thabazimbi back into chaos.
Mayor Pilane’s reckless actions threaten the stability of the municipality and its ability to deliver services – and undermines the rule of law. The people of Thabazimbi deserve a municipality that is governed lawfully and in the public interest – not one held hostage by political intimidation and power struggles.