Palapye council leadership battle deepens
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 8, 2026 06:00
What was initially expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the council has instead opened a fresh dispute over whether the process that led to Ketshogile's ouster complied with the law. According to PDC Standing Order 14.6 on Motion of no confidence states; “a member who wishes to bring a motion of no confidence against chairperson/deputy chairperson, member of the committee or a committee must observe section 20 (11) of Local Government Act of 2012, which requires that the motion must be in writing, must be seconded in accordance with Standing Order 10.6, for the motion to be levied it must be passed by two thrids of majority of council members and/ or committee members.
“Where the motion of no confidence is contemplated against the chairperson, the deputy chairperson shall preside over the proceedings; or two thirds majority of the members resolve for a member amongst themselves to preside over the proceedings for that particular item”.
While Local Government Act 20 (11) states: “the Mayor or Chairperson shall vacate his or her office if he or she is removed from office by resolution of the Council or Subordinate Authority by votes of not less than two thirds of all members”.
Questions are now being raised over the legitimacy of the vote after some councillors reportedly argued that the motion of no confidence against Ketshogile failed to secure the minimum support required under the Local Government Act.
According to those questioning the process, the law requires a two-thirds majority vote for such a motion to succeed. The concerns were reportedly reinforced by the council's attorney, Ganayaone Ketlhapetswe, who is said to have advised councillors on the matter and to have read correspondence from the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs. The communication allegedly highlighted legal concerns regarding the voting threshold required to remove a council chairperson.
Despite the legal reservations, a section of councillors proceeded with the process, resulting in Ketshogile being voted out and Ikanyeng being elected as the new chairperson. The developments exposed deep divisions within the council chambers, with some councillors from both the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and the BPF accusing Ketshogile of failing to provide effective leadership.
Those backing the motion argued that a change in leadership was necessary to improve the council's functioning and address concerns raised about its performance. However, opponents of the move insist that regardless of the political disagreements, due process must be followed and the law respected. They maintain that failure to comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act could render the entire process vulnerable to challenge.
The dispute has now attracted the attention of national leadership. In a move that underscores the seriousness of the situation, Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, is expected to meet with councillors on Friday to address the unfolding controversy and provide guidance on the way forward. As uncertainty continues to cloud the council's leadership, attention is increasingly turning to the possible legal implications of the dispute. It remains unclear whether Ikanyeng will seek legal advice to defend his position should the process be challenged, or whether the matter could ultimately find its way before the courts. Efforts to obtain comment from the key figures yielded little.
Ketshogile declined to discuss the matter when contacted, while Ikanyeng said he was travelling and unavailable for a detailed response.
However, Ikanyeng said he is still travelling and will only respond if he finds time. Meanwhile, information gathered by Mmegi suggests that tensions unfolding in Palapye are not isolated. Similar frustrations are reportedly simmering in other councils across the country, raising concerns about growing divisions within local government structures. Sources familiar with the developments say many of the disputes stem from internal political battles within coalition arrangements and party structures.
At the centre of the complaints are allegations by councillors that some Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers have neglected local government representatives and failed to support council activities. According to sources, strained relationships have created an atmosphere of mistrust among elected leaders at the local and national levels. 'Some MPs and ministers hardly attend councillors' events or activities. Councillors feel abandoned and overlooked despite being the people on the ground who interact daily with communities,' a source said.
The source further alleged that political ambitions ahead of the 2029 General Election are beginning to influence relationships within parties and coalition partners. 'Some leaders believe there are individuals who are already positioning themselves for future contests. There are allegations that certain politicians are quietly campaigning for parliamentary seats and building support bases that could be used to challenge current office holders in 2029,' the source added. The growing tensions have fuelled factionalism in some areas and are increasingly being reflected in council disputes and leadership battles.
For now, all eyes are on Friday's meeting and the position the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs will take. The outcome could determine not only the future of Palapye District Council's leadership but also set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled elsewhere.