CONTROVERSIAL mayor resigns with immediate effect.
Moqhaka Local Municipality Executive Mayor Motlogeloa Mokatsane gave no explanation for stepping down.
This has spread uncertainty as to whether the resignation was driven by personal reasons, political pressure or ongoing municipal challenges.
Municipality spokesman Dika Kheswa confirmed on Monday, 20 April, that Mokatsane had formally submitted his resignation.
"The municipality has confirmed the resignation of Mayor Mokatsane.
"We are taking this opportunity to thank the mayor for his commitment and dedication in service of the municipality and the residents of Moqhaka. The municipality wishes him well in his future endeavours," he said.
Kheswa also confirmed that Council Speaker Selloane Khiba has stepped down.
"We can confirm that Moqhaka Municipality Council Speaker, Selloane Khiba, has also resigned from her position. We received her resignation letter on Friday, 17 April," he said.
Mokatsane became infamous in May 2022 when a video showed him using the K-word towards black people while addressing protesters outside the Viljoenskroon Magistrates Court.
The incident caused widespread outrage and damaged his reputation.
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An emergency council meeting will be held on Wednesday, 22 April, to elect new leaders and fill in both vacant positions.
The resignations come amid a wave of similar exits at other Free State municipalities, raising concerns about political stability in the province.
Earlier this month, Mamiki Mokoena and Buyisiwe Makhoba, the mayor and speaker of Nketoana Municipality also submitted their resignations, respectively.
This growing trend of leadership exits across municipalities has raised concerns about political stability and governance in the province.
