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The DA in Free State has denounced the removal of Maryke Davies, the Mangaung metropolitan municipality’s council speaker.
Davies was removed through a vote of no confidence on Wednesday and was replaced by Lawrence Mathae, ANC regional chairperson and SA Local Government Association provincial chairperson.
In March, Davies and Mathae contested to be elected to the controversial council position.
At the time the council, which is dominated by ANC councillors, elected Davies with 53 votes against 40 received by Mathae.
It was reported that over 10 ANC councillors defied the party’s mandate and voted in favour of the opposition’s councillor due to divisions within the ANC in the province.
Johan Pretorius, leader of the DA caucus in the municipality, has expressed disappointment, stating that Wednesday’s vote undercuts the fundamentals of democracy.
The agitated DA caucus leader said the municipality will now have to refigure its priorities and refocus its efforts.
“It is of utmost importance that the municipality refocuses its efforts on addressing the needs and concerns of its citizens instead of engaging in political manoeuvring,” he said.
Pretorius is accusing the ANC of misleading council members and creating a false impression of the former speaker, stating that this raises concerns about its integrity.
“The ANC, in its attempt to hold onto power, has created an unprecedented standard by using misleading and false accusations as the basis for the motion of no confidence,” Pretorius said.
“Additionally, the ANC’s acting speaker for the day chose to ignore DA councillor Dirk Kotze’s five-minute speaking period by cutting it short, demonstrating its contempt for rules and regulations.
He said that strategy not only undermines the integrity of the political process but also raises concerns about the ANC’s commitment to democratic values.
“By resorting to such tactics, the ANC risks eroding public trust and further polarising the divided political landscape.”
The DA is expected to challenge the motion, and Pretorius has confirmed that the party will consult its legal team to explore legal options.
“The actions of the ANC in undermining the council’s effectiveness reveal a willingness to prioritise its own political power over the wellbeing of the community,” he said.
“We will consult with our legal teams and leaders to determine the best course of action regarding the legality of the motion that was passed by the council.”
He called on the municipality to place the interests of its citizens at the forefront of its agenda.
“Our commitment to a thriving and inclusive democracy remains unwavering, and we will continue to advocate for accountable and transparent governance in Mangaung.”