Ekurhuleni mayor survives in his post for another day 

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By Doreen Mokgolo

Ekurhuleni mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana has survived a second attempt to remove him from office. 

The council’s first attempt to vote him out on a motion of no confidence on 29 February ended in chaos.

This time, the speaker of council, the EFF’s Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, adjourned the council meeting late on Tuesday night, citing that she needs to consult with the council’s legal team to interrogate two amendments to the motion of no confidence tabled last month by ActionSA.

The ANC’s amendment calls for the mayor to be removed and the majority party in council – that is, the ANC – to take over the fort. The DA, in its proposed amendment, is pushing to dissolve council and go for re-elections.

Responding to the speaker’s actions, Gauteng EFF chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said the party supports the mayor and the people’s government.

“Yes, there are challenges that we have noted and are trying to correct but instead of engaging in programmes of actions they [presumably the ANC, DA and ActionSA] became policemen and women on portfolios that the EFF is leading.”

“The ANC wants to sway the meeting in their favour by voting them into mayorship. It should be council that comes to the determination,” he said.

Dunga refuted claims that the EFF is in coalition with the ANC.

“What coalition? We have never had a coalition with anyone – just a collaborative effort working with a mayor of the AIC [African Independent Congress].”

“We have mere differences that I believe we can overcome as political leaders,” he said. 

The ANC whip of council, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, said the speaker’s decision was taken prematurely and abruptly. 

“We feel our amendments to the existing motion were not changing the existing tabled motion substantively. 

“We wanted ActionSA to express themselves on the suggested amendments. It was flawed not to allow a discussion,” he said. 

Dlabathi said: “Change must happen and we can assure you it will happen.” 

ActionSA caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo said the speaker’s actions are a true reflection of politicking. 

“The speaker is an EFF partisan ruling in their favour. 

“The mayor is delinquent and a puppet mayor for the EFF and cannot continue occupying the seat for another day,” he said. 

Pictured above: Ekurhuleni council in action. 

Image source: Doreen Mokgolo

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