Note to broadcaster: Please find linked soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cllr Arista Annandale
The DA in Mahikeng Local Municipality wrote to the Speaker, Cllr Gago Mathe, requesting her to reconvene the council meeting that was scheduled for 30 September 2024 after the ANC continued with the business of the day without forming a quorum, rendering the meeting irregular. (See letter here)
The DA could not present its notice of motion (see attached) to deliberate on the suspension of the Municipal Manager (MM), Advocate Dineo Mongwaketse, due to the chaos that broke out after she refused to recuse herself from proceedings.
While the DA attempted to ensure that the item was added to the agenda as per Rule 53(1) of the Standing Rules and Orders, the EFF disrupted the meeting because the Acting Speaker, Cllr Mpho Phuthego, did not adhere to their call for the MM to recuse herself in light of the allegations of corruption levelled against her.
Cllr Phuthego ordered the security to remove all EFF councillors, causing an unsavoury squabble.
After the EFF was forcefully removed, council no longer quorated, and when the DA called for the meeting to be adjourned in terms of Rule 39(2) (see attached), we were suppressed. We placed it on record that we cannot form part of an illegal council meeting and that no resolutions made can be binding.
Mayor Mphehlo and ANC Chief Whip, Cllr Ansie Moeti, made no attempt to be voices of reason and remained part of this illegal meeting, knowing full well that they were out of order.
We are not surprised by the ANC’s blatant disregard for the rule of law. Their refusal to call for an investigation into the allegations against the MM and Mr Mahole (See statement here) showcases their lack of integrity and their refusal to be accountable.
The DA will, through its Member in the North West Provincial Legislature, CJ Steyl, write to the MEC for COGHSTA, Gaoage Molapisi, requesting his intervention to ensure that this illegal council meeting is declared null and void.