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The Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg in the North West.
The national government has decided to invoke section 139(7) of the Constitution at the troubled Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West.
This means that the national executive assumes the powers and functions ordinarily exercised by the provincial government.
Accordingly, the Minister of Finance will assume the powers and functions of the MEC for Finance for the duration of the intervention.
In a letter seen by the SABC, Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa has formally informed North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi about this decision.
Hlabisa says the Cabinet has appointed a National Cabinet Representative (NCR) supported by a multi-disciplinary team of experts.
The team will execute executive responsibilities on behalf of the national executive.
Cabinet has further authorised the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to consult with Ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to establish a Joint Operational Task Team, which will investigate and prosecute specific criminal activities reported to be prevalent within the municipality.
Hlabisa is expected to convene a formal engagement with several stakeholders next week to communicate this decision and introduce the National Intervention Team.
VIDEO | Ditsobotla Municipality – North West province seeks national intervention:
