20 Jun 2017

Southern District Council chairperson has deferred full council session slated for Monday to June 26 until July 4 to enable compliance.

Mr Alec Seametso said this in reference to the fracas that ensued following May 22 elections for chairperson and deputy for Kanye Administrative Authority where procedure was allegedly flaunted in contravention of Local Government Act of 2012.

During the electoral process in question Councillor Thapelo Pelekekae beat former Chairperson and fellow democrat, Councillor Tlhomamo Dibeela of Dilolwe ward to assume the reigns.

Councilor Kennedy Otlaadisa of Umbrella for Democratic Change edged out Botswana Democratic Party’s Eric Chelenyane of Gasegogwane ward at the polls to become deputy chairperson.

Attempt by Botswana Democratic Party to nullify results and call for fresh elections was met with resistance and subsequent legal recourse by Councillor Otlaadisa who lost at the high court last week.

“I am humbled to inform this House that Southern District Council is a legal entity established by section 3 of the Local Government Act of 2012. This Council is not an exception from complying with the provision of Local Government Act and other laws,” Mr Seametso said.

Section 22 (7) (b) of Local Government Act of 2012 provides that “a Council shall within seven days after election of committees constitutes an executive committee under chairmanship of the Mayor or the Chairman.

Section 22(8) further states that the Executive Committee referred to by sub section (7) shall be composed of (b) “In case of a council with Subordinate Authorities, Chairperson of the District and his Deputy, Sub Chairperson with Vice Sub Chairperson and Chairperson of the committee responsible for council finances.”

Accordingly Mr Seametso relayed SDC did not act in accordance with provision contained within Local Government Act of 2012 for the reason of difference of opinion resulting in litigation. BOPA