DA calls on Makhura to axe Maile following suspension U-turn
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader John Moodey has called on Premier David Makhura to fire Cooperative Governance MEC Lebogang Maile.
This after Maile rescinded the suspension of two DA councillors with immediate effect on Monday.
Maile made the decision to lift the suspensions following consultation with senior council about a legal challenge brought by the DA.
He earlier suspended the former Johannesburg council speaker Vasco da Gama for three months without pay and the Tshwane council speaker Katlego Mathebe for six months without any salary.
Da Gama was removed as Johannesburg speaker last month through a vote of no confidence but remains a DA councillor.
In Tshwane, a motion of no confidence against Mathebe has not yet been tabled amid the collapse of several council meetings to decide on her and Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa’s fate.
ALSO READ: Lesufi: Graceland Education Centre must explain teen’s murder
The DA then filed an urgent application in the High Court against the decision by Maile.
Moodey says the DA wanted Maile to be held personally liable for the legal costs.
"The MEC received his papers this morning and in the papers we also asked a court order that, should the courts find in our favour, they should agree that he should pay for all costs from his personal capacity. I think that most probably made him get further legal advice.
"The thing he accused these two councillors of being constitutional delinquents and he himself has just proven once more that he is not fit for local government.
"The DA in the Gauteng legislature, we are calling upon premier Makhura to remove him as a member of his executive.”
Maile is expected to brief the media on his decision on Tuesday.