The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) lodged a formal complaint against the Speaker of the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality (Modimolle, Mookgophong (Naboomspruit), Vaalwater), Ms Sinah Langa, for her irregular and biased handling of the council meeting held on 30 April 2026.
During the meeting, nearly 60 critical items were due for consideration, including a highly controversial proposal to procure a luxury vehicle valued at R700 000 for the Chief Whip – an item not budgeted for and which would be at the expense of service delivery.
Even though the Freedom Front Plus and other councillors strongly objected, and clearly constituted a majority, the Speaker refused to allow a division of votes as required by the standing rules of order.
When councillors insisted on voting in accordance with the rules, Ms Langa merely noted their objections and refused to test the democratic will of the Council. The situation was exacerbated by the Speaker’s selective application of disciplinary rules.
As a result of this clear violation of council rules and the Speaker’s refusal to permit a democratic vote, the Freedom Front Plus decided to walk out of the meeting.
The Freedom Front Plus will not participate in a process that disregards democratic principles and residents’ interests. The lack of a quorum ultimately resulted in the meeting being adjourned.
The Freedom Front Plus subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Charles Malema. The party also insists that the Speaker undertake in writing to reconsider the relevant items in a fair and orderly manner at the next meeting in addition to formally apologising to the Council.
Should these demands not be met within 48 hours, the party will consider further steps, including a motion of no confidence and lodging a complaint with Limpopo’s MEC for Local Government as well as with the Public Protector.
