Bid to remove Mncedi Ndzwanana fails as petition is dubbed “illegal”


By Tshegofatso Makola

Politicking has taken place once again today at the Tshwane Council, with the planned motion of no-confidence against the Speaker of Council Mncedi Ndzwanana being adjourned within less than 15 minutes.

It’s another defeat for the DA-led coalition once again following what was an attempt to remove the newly elected Speaker of Council from office.

This comes as the coalition sent a 108 signature petition through to the City Manager calling for a motion of no-confidence to take place today- a day before the planned Council sitting that is set to take place to elect the new mayor.

Following days of back and forth between the DA-led coalition and the Speaker, with many Councillors expressing his incompetence to occupy the position, the coalition suffered defeat as Ndzwanana presided over the Council once again.

According to Ndzwanana, the petition is “illegal” adding that 10 signatures discrepancies contributed to this.

The Joburg Post caught up with Councillors of the DA-led coalition to get their input on today’s proceedings.

When asked how they felt about Ndzwanana’s decision, DA councillor , Kwena Moloto described it as a pattern of unlawfulness from the Speaker, adding that the DA-led coalition is “being held hostage by a minority”.

According to Moloto, “there is no basis for Speaker to collapse this meeting.”

ActionSA Councillor, Michael Beaumont referred to what occurred in Council as a “subversion of democracy” , adding the the Speaker had no business chairing the meeting.

When asked about the ten signatures in question, he expressed that those in question had submitted affidavits to the Municipal Manager confirming that they had indeed signed the petitions.

He further added that “the ANC and EFF have proven themselves to be the masters of forgery with Murunwa Makwarela”.

Beaumont further expressed that the coalition would be meeting with its legal team tonight, ahead of the Council sitting.

Meanwhile, the ANC’s George Matjila has since clapped back at the DA-led coalition, adding that the meeting was supposed to be called by the Speaker and not the City Manager. 

The City of Tshwane is set to have a Council sitting tomorrow, where Council members will try to elect a new mayor once again.

The City has been without a consistent mayor since the February following the resignation of Cllr. Randall Williams and his replacement, Dr. Murunwa Makwarela’s abrupt resignation, only two weeks after assuming the role.

Article Tags

DA-led coalition

Tshwane Council

Mncedi Ndzwanana

Cancel

    Most Read