MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs(Coghsta) has given Sol Plaatjie Municipality 14 days to rectify the non-fulfilment of its executive obligation. The
MEC Vass is acting in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which mandates that national and provincial governments support, strengthen, and capacitate municipalities to manage their own affairs and perform their functions.
He has expressed grave concern about the conduct of certain councillors, which led to the breakdown of the council meeting.
He gave the directive in terms of section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution, which allows the provincial executive to intervene when a municipality fails to fulfill an executive obligation by taking appropriate steps, including issuing a directive.
The MEC’s intervention follows a physical confrontation at the municipal chambers on 12 March 2026, of which a video went viral.
It happened during what was supposed to be a meeting with the Whips of political parties represented in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Council.
The Whips had to present challenges and proposed solutions to stabilise governance and the administrative leadership of the municipality.
A case of common assault has been opened at Kimberley Police.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it is alleged that the complainant, a 27-year-old male was slapped by another man during an altercation after a municipal meeting in Kimberley.
Municipal council has been given a stipulated timeframe to comply, or provide reasons on why section 139 (1)(b) or (c) should not be implemented.
Failure to comply with this directive may lead to further, more stringent intervention in terms of Section 139 (1)(b)(administration) or section 139n (1)(c)(dissolution) of the Constitution.
The Executive Mayor Martha Bartlett and the Speaker Dipuo Peters were directed to exercise their roles and responsibilities in accordance with the local government: Municipal structures Act as amended and applicable legislation.
Council is also instructed to resolve on the draft Intergrated Development Plan, Budget and Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan as legislatively stipulated by the end of March.
Councillors are warned that disciplinary action will be taken against Councillors who stage a walk out during special council meetings, without being formally excused in terms of the Code of Conduct for Councillors
“Action must be implemented within 14 working days from the date of receipt of these directives, with a written report and portfolio of evidence confirming compliance submitted to my office on 2 April.
“The reasons are to be provided to my office within seven days from the lapse of the 14 days,” read the letter,” read the notice.
Vass expressed that the council needs to find common ground and prioritise service delivery at both the administrative and council levels.
“The people of Sol Plaatje Municipality deserve a stable, functional, and capable municipality that can deliver good quality services to our communities. Political differences must never come at the expense of the residents we serve,” said MEC.
NOCCI has expressed disappointment by the video footage of the physical altercation between Councillorsthat went viral.
NOCCI CEO Sheryn Steyn said this is a clear indication of the state in which SPLM finds itself, and these disgraceful events only serve to further tarnish the reputation of Kimberley.
“In addition, it comes at a time of crisis in Kimberley, largely because of the situation with Ekapa, but also because of continued lack of service delivery by SPLM itself,” said Steyn.
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