Elmon Tshikhudo
It’s almost a month since Avhashoni Tshifhango was fired – but he keeps on arriving at the office as if nothing has changed.
The ANC in Vhembe recalled Tshifhango, the mayor in Thulamela, after he was accused of having allowed R30 million of the municipality’s money to be invested with the now defunct VBS mutual bank.
This was said to be in breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act and regulations of the Municipal Investment Regulations among others.
The full amount was recouped with an accumulated interest of more than R600,000.
Many in the region are questioning the timing of the recall, and why him specifically, as other mayors have also invested in VBS but they are not being recalled.
This comes four months before the end of Tshifhango’s tenure and the local government elections.
The mayor’s recall has been described as a major showdown between factions supporting President Cyril Ramaphosa and the embattled suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, as the regions head for elective conferences.
Even before the PEC could make a formal pronouncement on the mayor’s recall, the ANC in Vhembe is alleged to have already submitted three names of possible candidates to replace Tshifhango to the PEC.
The proposed names are speaker Humbulani Mulovhedzi, Salphina Mulaudzi and Sarah Rammbuda.
Sources close to the situation say the other two are just accompanying the name of Humbulani Mulovhedzi as she is tipped to take over the position of mayor.
Vhembe ANC regional spokesperson quashed all speculations about the names.
He said the organisation has sent a letter for the recall and they were still awaiting organisational processes by the PEC.
He admitted a meeting was held but could not confirm that names were discussed during the meeting.
“We will never hide anything from you. We will inform you of any new developments in due course,” he said.
