Opposition Councillors Demand Removal of Cllr Marco Lottering as Chief Whip and Call for MEC Review

In a bold and decisive move, opposition council members have voted in favor of removing Councillor Marco Lottering from his position as Chief Whip of Council. The motion also calls on the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) to urgently review Cllr Lottering’s eligibility to continue serving as a public representative.

This decision follows Cllr Lottering’s repeated absenteeism from official council business, including his failure to attend two scheduled committee meetings and, as of today, three consecutive council sittings. According to the Code of Conduct for Councillors, such absenteeism constitutes gross negligence and undermines the integrity and accountability expected of elected officials.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) caucus in Tsantsabane has raised particular concern over the deteriorating conditions in Ward 1, where Cllr Lottering serves as the ward councillor. Communities including Greenfields, Postdene, and Groenwater are reportedly experiencing instability and lack of service delivery, which the EFF attributes to his poor leadership and lack of visibility on the ground.
“Ward 1 is in crisis,” said an EFF representative. “Residents are frustrated and left in the dark while their councillor neglects his responsibilities. We cannot allow this kind of leadership to continue unchecked.”

The EFF and other opposition members insist that accountability must prevail and that the wellbeing of communities should be prioritized over political positioning.

The matter now rests with the MEC, whose intervention is being sought to uphold good governance and restore trust in public office.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Cllr Dirk Esau
EFF