20 Aug 2025

Councillors in the Palapye district have dismissed a motion of no confidence brought forward by Tamasane councillor, Mr David Ikanyeng against Palapye District Council (PDC) chairperson, Mr Kabo Ketshogile.

A total of 19 councillors supported the motion while 17 rejected it. According to the local government standing orders, for the motion of no confidence to pass, two thirds majority of councillors should have voted for the motion. In this case 24 councillors should have voted for the motion for it to pass. This however means that councillor Ketshogile will continue as the council chairperson since the votes failed to reach the two thirds majority.

Earlier when tabling the motion, councillor Ikanyeng said that the chairperson was failing to bring unity amongst political wing and the administrative wing. He said the chairperson had extended the duration of council meetings in February and May beyond reasonable limits, which had placed a strain on the council finances.

Mr Ikanyeng, however moved that the council expressed no confidence in the chairperson of PDC and that the chairperson be removed from the office with immediate effect in accordance with the law and standing orders. Some councillors therefore supported the motion saying the chairperson had failed to unite them as the councillors, and never consult them on issues of concern.

They also said the council chairperson was unable to foster unity among council members and lacked leadership in bringing the council together, adding that they had lost trust in his leadership. Some councillors however rejected the motion saying they saw nothing wrong with Mr Ketshogile’s leadership. They said Mr Ketshogile united them and performed his duties to the best of his ability and as expected. ENDS