SIYABONGA SITHOLE
Johannesburg – City of Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse says she is confident that she will survive the impending motion of no confidence against her.
Last week, members of the opposition parties in the Johannesburg council ousted council speaker Vasco da Gama of the DA.
This week opposition parties have their eyes set on doing the same against Phalatse, who is accused of failing to serve the needs of the residents of the country’s biggest metro.
On Monday, the mayor issued a statement in which she said her work of bringing opportunities and economic growth to the people of Johannesburg would not be deterred in spite of a plan to get rid of her.
“I have taken note of the utterances of the chair of chairs, Colleen Makhubela, who was, among other things, purported to be acting speaker of the Johannesburg council despite the standing rules and orders of the council being clear about the process of filling the office of the speaker in the event of a vacancy, as is the case,” the mayor said.
Phalatse said Makhubela and those collaborating with her could not be allowed to manipulate the rules in order to get their way, adding that when the office of the speaker was vacant, the post could only be filled by an election.
“Assuming the office of the speaker cannot happen by coronation, only an election must take place as per democratic processes,” she said.
The mayor accused minority opposition parties of siding with the ANC to oust her and those who belonged to the DA.
“The opposition minority bloc has joined the ANC chorus by calling for a motion of no confidence in the executive mayor and, as it follows, the multiparty executive of the city. It is clear that there is a desperate and co-ordinated attempt to grab power of the city without regard for residents and their service delivery needs,” she said.
In spite of an impending motion against her, the mayor said she would not be distracted and promised that service delivery would not be affected as a result of the noise.
ANC regional chairperson Dada Morero said the party would be tabling a motion against the mayor after the programming committee held a meeting to discuss the details. The ANC is reportedly supported by opposition parties in its call for Phalatse’s removal.
The Star