MABOPANE WARD 22 COUNCILLOR MABASWA UNDER FIRE FROM COMMUNITY

Mabopane Ward 22 Councillor Kate Mabaswa is under fire from members of her community regarding a plethora of allegations against her.

SANCO Mawiga Region Executive members

Now to show their disgruntlement against Councillor Mabaswe, Ward 22 members of the community have signed a petition wherein they have complained about the fact that Councillor Mabaswe is using intimidatory tactics against members of her ward for various reasons.

In the petition, Councillor Mabaswe is accused of “sending threats to individuals who have been volunteering their time and efforts to assist in the alleviation of the ongoing water crisis in Mabopane Ward 22.”

The petition further states that on 3 October 2025 Councillor Mabaswa sent some individual to take pictures of several community members including David Setshedi while they were in the process of assisting with the distribution of water in the community.

It is said that subsequent to this, the said members of the community started receivung threatening phone calls.

It is further alleged that Councillor Mabaswa is the owner or has an interest or links with a truck that has been contracted by the City of Tshwane Municipality to distribute water to the residents of Ward 22 and that the said water is actually dirty and not fit for human consumption.

The petition was handed to City of Tshwane Council Chief Whip Molatelo Albert Mashola and ANC Chief Whip Seabelo Marishane on 3 October 2025.

The following are some of the issues which were mentioned in the petition:

1. We demand that Mamma Catherine Mabaswa immediately cease all forms of intimidation and threats against members of the community.

2. We request that a formal investigation into these incidents be conducted and that action be taken against those who are responsible in this regard.

3. We urge the City Council to provide a safe and supportive environment to community members who participate in the management of the water crisis in the area so that they can do so without fear.

The memorandum goes on to further state the follow:

“As a civic organisation SANCO has shown support for communities experiencing water shortages and remember, community members have a right to participate in initiatives to find solutions to local problems without fear of intimidation or harassment.”

According to newly-elected SANCO Mawiga Zonal Chairperson David Setshedi, Councillor Mabaswa has intimidated himself as well as community member Lesego Mokoena for not allowing the water distribution truck that is allegedly owned by Councillor Mabaswa to continue serving the community dirty water.

“Councillor Mabaswa sent thugs to take our pictures and even stated on the community chat group that she has given our pictures to thugs/truck bosses who will deal with us,” lamented Setshedi.

“We are on the eve of the 2026 municipal elections and Councillor Mabaswa wants to retain her position as Councillor despite her misconduct and negligence during her term; she behaves like she is untouchable and I believe that these are the last kicks of a dying horse, and this makes her extremely dangerous to the community and to herself,” enthused Setshedi.

Another issue which has put Councillor Mabaswa at loggerheads with the community is that of a number of shacks known as Botshabelo, situated in the Odi area.

“Councillor Mabaswa has, for several times now forcefully removed residents who have erected shacks at Botshabelo, yet there are many areas where illegal foreigners have erected shacks but they have not been removed from such places,” said Setshedi.

At the moment the Botshabelo shack area lies empty after the TMPD, allegedly at the behest of Councillor Mabaswa, removed residents who had erected shacks there due to lack of housing.

“The million dollar question here is why does Councillor Mabaswa and the City of Tshwane want to keep the Botshabelo area as an empty space?” asked Setshedi.

“Is it to serve some business interests or is there some ulterior motive here?” he asked.

A SANCO Regional Executive Member who wished to remain anonymous told Tshwane Talks that as an organisation they (SANCO) have been sending petitions to the City of Tshwane Municipality regarding the open piece of land known as Botshabelo but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears and the incumbent Councillor Mabaswe has also ignored the community in this regard.

Now at a recent community meeting attended by MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka, deputy SANCO chairperson in Mawiga region James Barry Masina accused Councillor Mabaswa of “scheming with tsotsis.”

Masina said Councillor Mabaswa must stop moving around with tsotsis thugs) because she was elected to her position alone and not together with the said thugs.

“When some of us speak out against the injustices and shenanigans taking place in Mabopane Ward 22, we get threatened by Councillor Mabaswe,” lamented Masina.

Addressing the Councillor directly during the said meeting, Masina said the following:

“I am prepared to die, I was missed by several bullets in the past and Comrade Tsoku and Napo as well as other several comrades were shot and killed during your tenure as Councillor of Mabopane Ward 22.”

In conclusion, Masina told Councillor Mabaswa straight to her face that at a previous meeting held at Ga-Tsebe area, she vowed to rule Ward 22 with the proverbial iron fist; the implication being that there will be dire consequences for those opposing her reign as Councillor.

Tshwane Talks contacted Councillor Mabaswa to respond to all the afore-mentioned allegations against her but at the time of publishing this story she had not yet responded.