Premier Cassel Mathale has issued a strong warning to those who are planning to topple ANC mayors in Limpopo.

He was speaking during the joint inauguration of five mayors at the University of Venda Stadium in Thohoyandou at the weekend.

The mayors who were inaugurated are Florence Dzhombere (executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality), Carol Phiri of Musina, Tshitereke Matibe of Mutale, Mavhungu Luruli of Makhado and Grace Mahosi of Thulamela.

“We know that there are people who are plotting the downfall of these five mayors we are inaugurating today. Our message is clear and simple: We are not going to allow it to happen, because these are servants of the masses who are there to serve the interests of ordinary people in the streets,” said Mathale.

Mathale has urged mayors and municipal managers to observe legislation that govern them in order to accelerate service delivery. He said state resources should be used responsibly for the benefit of efficient service delivery. “We are not going to tolerate fruitless expenditures due to ignorance by mayors and municipal managers. Tough actions will be taken against mayors and municipal managers who abuse municipal funds for their own benefit. It should also be understood that we are not going to protect corrupt mayors and municipal managers.”

He also urged Cllr Florence Dzhombere, the executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, to do something about the shortage of water in Thohoyandou and the poor road conditions in Shayandima. “The Nandoni Dam is just a stone´s throw from Thohoyandou, but people are still getting water in instalments. That dam is overflowing, but still people are not getting water regularly. The issue should be addressed urgently, because water is a basic need for our people.”

The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Soviet Lekganyane, also urged the five mayors to execute their duties with diligence and dedication.