Ousted PDC chair Ketshogile fights removal in court
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday June 15, 2026 06:00
Ketshogile has filed an urgent application before the Mahalapye High Court seeking an order recognising him as the lawful Chairperson of the Palapye District Council.
According to court papers filed on Wednesday, Ketshogile argues that his removal from office was unlawful and contrary to the provisions of the law governing local authorities.
He is also seeking a declaration that the election of the fourth respondent, Ikanyeng David, as Chairperson of the Palapye District Council on June 2, 2026, is null and void. In his court application, Ketshogile states that David has no lawful authority to hold himself out as the Chairperson of the council.
“I seek a declaratory order compelling the Council Secretary to restore my entitlement and give full legal effect to the Minister’s reinstatement, so that during the suspension of the council, the lawful chairperson is recognised and can be consulted where necessary,” reads part of the court papers. Ketshogile further argues that the vote leading to his removal failed to meet the two-thirds majority requirement prescribed under Section 20(11) of the Local Government Act, 2012.
The application states that, only 22 councillors voted in favour of the motion, while the council has a total membership of 36 councillors. Ketshogile contends that a two-thirds majority would have required at least 24 votes. “The resolution, therefore, failed to meet the statutory threshold and is null and void,” he states in the court papers. He also argues that the motion to remove him was not included on the agenda for the council meetings held on May 25 and 26, 2026, thereby violating the council’s Standing Orders. Ketshogile maintains that the Council breached its own procedures, as the Standing Orders require such motions to be properly tabled and included on the agenda beforehand. Furthermore, he argues that no urgency justified a deviation from the council’s Standing Orders and established procedures.
He said what happened was a breach of the rules of natural justice since he was not given notice of the motion, no opportunity to be heard, and no opportunity to defend himself. When advancing his reasons for urgency, Ketshogile said that since June 5, 2026, he has been denied the use of his official vehicle, and again, the groundman/ cleaner has been withdrawn from his home.
He said David is now using his office, as he claims that he is the current chairperson. He also says he fears that the longer the matter remains unresolved, it will affect his income, as he gets P5000.00 more than other councillors. “The longer the matter takes, the more difficult it will be difficult to reverse some of the things. This matter is urgent because there are issues that the council secretary will need assistance or guidance from the chairperson on. Again, the public will soon believe that indeed David is the PDC chairperson,” he said.