ActionSA slams Makhuduthamaga Mayor’s unacceptable conduct at fatal accident scene
MOGORWANE
ActionSA Party in Sekhukhune has expressed profound disappointment and condemnation over the alleged unacceptable behaviour of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, at the scene of a tragic accident involving a deceased resident from Mogorwane Village in MLM Ward 10.
The incident occurred on Monday 6 October 2025, along the R579 Road at Mogorwane Village, where community members gathered after a fatal accident claimed the life of a community member.
When Mayor Mahlase arrived at the scene, residents raised concerns about the need for speed humps to improve pedestrian safety, citing at least two fatalities in the area since the beginning of the year.
However, instead of addressing the community’s concerns, Mayor Mahlase allegedly told them she was not there to discuss safety issues but to attend to the accident.
According to Tonic Manchidi, ActionSA Chairperson in the Sekhukhune Region, the mayor’s actions were not only uncalled for but also deeply insensitive.
Manchidi described the mayor’s behaviour as rude, saying she also made unacceptable utterances, claiming she earns more salary than everyone combined, referring to the people who were raising road safety concerns at the scene.
“She is not above residents, she is where she is today because of the community,” Manchidi emphasized.
The residents of MLM Ward 10 witnessed the mayor’s behaviour, which they deemed unwarranted and disrespectful.
ActionSA has demanded a public apology from Mayor Mahlase for her actions, which the party believes undermined the solemnity of the occasion and demonstrated a severe lack of empathy and leadership.
In response to the rising number of road accidents, MLM Ward 10 residents, leaded by ActionSA and local churches, held a prayer against road accidents on the R579 Road on Wednesday 8 October 2025.
“ActionSA remains committed to fostering unity and respect within the community and expects public officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct, particularly during times of community mourning,” said Manchidi.
At the time of going to press, MLM Spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela, could not respond to the publication’s enquiries.
