In an alarming turn of events, the fire department of the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley has reportedly been used as a party venue by the ZK Matthews branch of the ANC. The shocking incident has raised questions about the ethics and responsibilities of those in positions of power.
According to Pakes Dikgetsi, a member of the Cope national committee, the event took place on 20 October and was attended by high-ranking ANC officials, including Kagisho Sonyoni, the mayor of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, and Mangaliso Matika, the regional chairperson of the ANC and deputy speaker in the Legislature. Photos and videos of the event show a cake adorned in ANC colours, with Matika delivering a speech.
The event was supposedly held to celebrate the life and times of Prof. ZK Matthews, a revered struggle hero. However, Matika’s speech revealed underlying concerns within the ANC itself. He questioned the current state of the organization, expressing worries about its internal divisions, intolerance, and factionalism. Matika also highlighted the personalization of the ANC by some of its leaders and the resulting fear of victimization and lack of freedom of speech among comrades.
Dikgetsi strongly criticized the misuse of the fire station as a party venue, highlighting the poor maintenance of the facility. He argued that this event should not have been allowed, as it diverted resources and attention away from the pressing issues affecting the Sol Plaatje Municipality, such as ongoing water shortages and deteriorating service delivery. Dikgetsi further alleged that the cake served at the event could have been paid for with corrupt funds, adding fuel to the fire of corruption allegations against local officials.
Thabo Mothibi, the municipal spokesperson, defended the decision to allow the event, citing the historical significance of the fire station. Mothibi explained that the venue holds sentimental value as the former location of the Lyndhurst Road Public School, where Prof. ZK Matthews received his early education. The ANC’s ZK Matthews branch requested to hold a lunch-hour celebration at the site to commemorate Matthews’ birth, and the municipal manager granted permission for the small gathering.
Amidst growing frustration with alleged corruption and failed service delivery in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, residents are calling for accountability and justice. Multiple cases of corruption and fraud have reportedly been ignored, leading to a sense of disillusionment and anger among the community.
The incident has further highlighted the urgent need for responsible leadership within the ANC and the municipality. The abuse of public resources for personal or political gain is not only unethical but also undermines the trust and faith of citizens in their elected officials.
Tags: Sol Plaatje Municipality