ANC plans to elect new Speaker in Joburg despite DA resistance
"The DA should, just like they did with the election of the Executive Mayor, nominate their own candidate and let there be a contestation. Contestation is healthy for our democracy."
The ANC in Johannesburg plans to proceed with the election of a new Speaker of the council on Wednesday.
This in spite of the fact that the DA, of which Speaker Vaco da Gama is a member, says his removal from office was illegal and that he remains in the position until a court rules otherwise.
Last week, the ANC"s Geoff Makhubo was elected as the new mayor of Johannesburg.
Shortly thereafter, the council voted in a motion of no confidence in Da Gama and while the ANC maintains he was unseated in the process, the DA says a clear majority of votes in favour of the motion as not cast.
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According to the DA"s Mike Moriarty, "Whether or not one agrees with the ruling made by the Chair of Chairs, Alex Christians, last Thursday regarding the motion brought against Johannesburg Speaker, Vasco da Gama - the ruling stands until overturned by a court. As such, Vasco da Gama is still the Speaker. Only the Speaker can call council meetings.
"The MEC cannot call a council meeting. Neither can the Mayor, or the City Manager. The council meeting called for 11 December 2019 is thus illegal, and any decisions taken at that meeting are null and void."
Meanwhile, the ANC says it has received reports that DA councillors have been instructed not to show up for the planned council sitting.
According to the ANC's Solomon Mogase, "This is regrettable and an act of cowardice."
He says: "The DA should, just like they did with the election of the Executive Mayor, nominate their own candidate and let there be a contestation. Contestation is healthy for our democracy."