Cape Town — DA Councillor, Andre Beetge, was removed from the eThekwini executive committee (exco) as the ANC members fight back against opposition parties who filed motions of no confidence.
The motion was filed by ANC councillor Ntando Khuzwayo who claimed Beetge’s behaviour was not in keeping with that of an exco member, especially during the motion to remove mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, TimesLIVE reported.
“During a recent deliberation concerning the motion against the mayor, Beetge, in his capacity as exco member, failed to uphold the responsibilities inherent in his position. His conduct during these proceedings has undermined the trust relationship between himself and the mayor who chairs the committee,” he said.
ANC councillor, Sbusiso Ngcongo, said Beetge had not behaved in an exemplary manner during council meetings, while fellow ANC member, Thanduxolo Sabelo, said the DA did not hold him accountable. The ANC is showing its intention to start filing motions of no confidence in opposition parties, after the IFP s attempt to dislodge Kaunda.
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“We all need to understand we can exercise our democratic rights. Motions cannot only be raised by the DA against the ANC. The ANC can also raise a motion against the DA and we’re going to teach you how you carry it through by removing Beetge,” Sabelo said before councillors voted on the motion. What the DA needs to know is when we say we’re leading this municipality we mean it.” ANC councillor, Nkosenhle Madlala, said.
According to Polity, the DA condemned the ANC and its speaker, Thabani Nyawose, for their undemocratic behaviour towards Beetge. DA caucus leader, Thabani Mthethwa, said no such action has been done by an opposition party councillor.
“Today, we saw the ANC, supported by their cash-envelope-paid smaller parties, abuse this legislation to remove Councillor Beetge without good cause. This action sets a dangerous precedent which could very well become a trend if this plays itself out across the province which will equally have consequences for the ANC in municipalities where they are not the majority party, and it is something that the DA will consider if pushed to do so.”
“We call on the leadership of the ANC in eThekwini to reconsider their position and come to their sense before it’s too late.” she said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
