In what seems like a blink of an eye, Mayor Mpho Phalatse has been ousted as the executive mayor of Johannesburg. Over the course of these developing events, Councilor Colleen Makhubele was elected speaker and Phalatse, in a quest to keep her position in office, initiated a campaign to rally the residents of Johannesburg to back her decision of not resigning. 

 

The #HandsoffJoburg was a campaign which addressed the motion to have her removed which she declined and stated that she will therefore not resign. She claims the motion of having her removed as well as the dissolution of the Multi- Party Government is a selfish and conceded act of corruption and underhanded planning. 

 

“As we speak, there are nefarious actors working to urgently convene a meeting of council to dissolve the multiparty government and subsequently elect what can best be described as a corrupt cabal that will masquerade as a government” said Phalatse. 

 

Having needed at least 136 votes to ensure her place in office as well as offer her security of her position, Phalatse headed to court to attempt to halt the motion of no confidence in her which ultimately was not successful. 

 

Member of opposing party, ANC, Dada Morero has been elected the new executive mayor of Johannesburg after Phalatse lost the votes by 139 votes as some members of the DA and IFP didn’t vote.