The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) through the provincial executive council, has dissolved the OR Tambo District Municipality by invoking section 139 of the constitution.
The decision was taken after the municipality failed to fulfill its constitutional mandate to observe internal procedures.
The department’s spokesperson Makhaya Komisa says this relates to forming quorums in making decisions in the council.
“The Provincial Executive Council approved the decision to implement section 139(1)(c) later this week. Now the honourable MEC will send a technical team led by a seasoned administrator who will work tirelessly to bring much-needed stability in the municipality. The decision will remain mute for 14 days before the practical implementation,” adds Komisa.
Meanwhile, in December 2020, members of the OR Tambo Business Forum protested against the local municipality.
They accused officials at the municipality of gross negligence, corruption and acting with a culture of impunity.
The district municipality made headlines regarding allegations of corruption relating to procurement for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
OR Tambo Business Forum protests against corruption in their municipality:
