‘Bartlett roped in as Sol Plaatje Mayor because of her experience’

Home | ‘Bartlett roped in as Sol Plaatje Mayor because of her experience’ Political analyst Sethulego Matebesi believes the African National Congress (ANC) in Northern Cape has roped in Martha Bartlett as the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality because of her wealth of experience in governance. Bartlett, a Member of Parliament and former Education and Social Development MEC, has been deployed to the municipality after the party recalled former Mayor Kagisho Sonyoni. Residents say the municipality is failing to deliver basic services due to poor leadership.

Matebesi says, “The decision taken by the ANC in the Northern Cape may simply mean that they have confidence in their elderly leadership which brings a lot of useful wisdom, valuable experience and a deep understanding of institutional dynamics of local government in that particular province.” He says, “But it can also, on the other side, mean that there is a generational disconnect between your young and elderly politicians but this can also mean that perhaps the province is resistant to change.” SABC © 2024.