Please find attached soundbite in Afrikaans by Don van Zyl.
Please find attached soundbite in English by Don van Zyl.
- High Court dismisses challenge to the removal of the former Speaker.
- Judgment affirms the authority of Council to hold its office bearers accountable.
- DA says ruling strengthens transparent and accountable local government.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the judgment handed down by the North West High Court on 10 July 2026, dismissing the application brought by former Maquassi Hills Speaker Sarah Nkatlo and confirming the lawfulness of Council’s decision to remove her through a motion of no confidence.
The judgment follows earlier court proceedings that similarly upheld Council’s decision and provides further legal certainty regarding the authority of municipal councils to hold their office bearers accountable in accordance with the law.
The motion of no confidence was supported by 16 of the municipality’s 22 councillors following repeated concerns regarding the conduct of Council proceedings. The DA maintained that councillors were being denied fair opportunities to participate in debate and vote on matters before Council, undermining the principles of accountable and transparent local government.
The Court’s ruling reinforces the principle that municipal governance must be conducted within the framework of the Constitution, the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act and Council’s own Rules of Order. No office bearer may exercise authority in a manner that undermines the lawful functioning of Council or the rights of elected representatives.
The DA believes this judgment sends an important message that accountability mechanisms within local government must be respected and that councils have both the authority and the responsibility to act where governance processes are compromised.
With the matter now settled, the focus must shift to restoring stability within Maquassi Hills Municipality and ensuring that Council prioritises effective oversight, sound governance, and improved service delivery for residents.
The DA remains committed to defending the integrity of municipal institutions and working towards local government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering services to the people it serves.