Phikwe Mayor under fire

CALISTUS KOLANTSHO
Correspondent | Monday August 30, 2010 00:00

Mukokomani was accused of taking decisions alone suggesting that the rift between him and the councillors could soon become unmanageable. Kgakgamatso Ramatlopi of Botshabelo East complained that the mayor invited the Zebras team to come and play the Zimbabwean national team in Selebi-Phikwe without consulting them. He pointed out that he was only informed about the game on the last day on the phone. 'I was surprised to see during a Botswana Television news bulletin someone being interviewed about the game and he was said to be the mayor's representative but that person is not even a councillor,' said Ramatlopi.  He said that he was not impressed about the way Mukokomani attacked them in his address, adding that if the mayor was not happy with something he should have told the councillors privately.

Mukokomani said in his speech that councillors must stop the unending game of jostling for power and quit wasting valuable time on petty issues which do not benefit the electorate. Bontleng Ward councillor, Tshiamo Ikaneng, observed that Mukokomani was not in good working relations with council staff. He said that the mayor must work closely with the Town Clerk, Kutlwano Matenge.

Gaofengwe Mokgwathi of Botshabelo South said despite not being consulted, Mukokomani's idea to bring the game to Selebi-Phikwe was brilliant. He said the game indicated that residents of this town are football lovers because of their attendance.

He mentioned that they now have a case to argue with the government to build a new stadium in Selebi-Phikwe.Leungo Mathaio of Leseding Ward also accused Mukokomani of not consulting them.  She stated that councillors are always last to hear when things happen and that does not reflect well in the community.

'Next time you must avoid doing that. We are the people who put you in that seat and it is surprising for you to skip us and work with the WDC members,' she lashed out. Botshabelo West councillor, Kosi Matshaba, accused the councillors of being 'petty'. He stated that even if they were not consulted about the Zebras game, it was a success, and they must give credit where it is due.

'You were invited to the game and that is consultation. What more do you want?' he asked. Matshaba stated that BDP councillors must leave their factional wars at their party and not bring them to the council.

He observed that BDP councillors have never been satisfied with any councillor who occupied the mayoral seat. He called on to them to change their mindset. Matshaba also promised Mukokomani his support. Nominated councillor, Mmapula Mmidi-Phuduhudu, said it not a sin to differ and it does not mean that they hate each other.

She stated that it is true that they are not united as councillors.  Phuduhudu advised the councillors to unite for the sake of the town because it is more important.

'Unity is a long process but we must give it a chance. Manage each other well in order to work as a team,' said Phuduhudu.  She pleaded with the councillors to give the mayor a chance to do his job until his term and ends.