By Thapelo Molefe
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane has tabled a motion of no confidence against the city’s Council Speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana, saying that he should be removed from office after the high court found that he acted unlawfully by deducting 13 votes during a council sitting.
The motion, submitted on Thursday, follows a recent high court judgment which ruled that Ndzwanana unlawfully reduced the recorded vote during a council meeting, a decision that resulted in the suspension of City Manager Johann Mettler. The court later set aside the suspension.
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The DA said the Speaker’s conduct undermined the integrity of the council and exposed the City of Tshwane to unnecessary legal costs.
DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink said the party had approached the courts to challenge the decision and succeeded in overturning it.
“A recent High Court judgment confirmed that the Speaker acted unlawfully when he arbitrarily deducted 13 votes from the Council’s recorded vote. This effectively rigged the outcome and enabled the unlawful suspension of City Manager Johann Mettler,” Brink said.
He alleged that the decision formed part of an attempt by the ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition to take control of the city’s administration and finances.
According to the DA, allowing Ndzwanana to remain in office would leave the council vulnerable to further unlawful decisions during the remaining months before the local government elections in November.
Brink said the Speaker’s actions had already cost ratepayers money through avoidable litigation and had demonstrated a willingness to abuse the office for political purposes.
“Tshwane cannot afford to leave him in a position where he can do so again,” he said.
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The DA also warned that the current coalition governing the metro could still use its majority to pass decisions that would have long-term financial and administrative consequences before the end of its term.
Brink said that the motion was aimed at protecting the integrity of the council rather than advancing political interests.
“This motion of no confidence is not about politics. It is about accountability. It is about protecting the public purse, defending the integrity of Council and ensuring that the Office of the Speaker cannot be abused to advance corrupt interests,” he said.
The motion is expected to be scheduled for debate before the Tshwane council.
