[LISTEN] Tshwane mayor Stevens Mokgalapa resigns
Tshwane mayor Stevens Mokgalapa has tendered his resignation as the city’s first citizen.
The resignation will take effect at the end of February.
This comes after months of controversy linking the mayor to several scandals, including tender tailoring and an office romance with one of his MMC’s.
Mokgalapa says he took the decision with the people of Tshwane in mind.
"I have come to a conclusion and a decision to resign at the end of this month. The decision I took to resign was based on the impact of service delivery."
The outgoing mayor accused the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of creating an “untenable political environment”.
"Now, my being here and the political environment that is unstable and unsustainable, which others used it for political football, has made the situation very much untenable."
He adds: "The ANC and the EFF in particular playing political football, making council to collapse. There’s been frivolous motions of no confidence, there's been court cases that have been pending which is very much not in line with the principle of service delivery."
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This follows a motion by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to remove her as head of the Chapter 9 institution, a motion which was subsequently approved by National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise. READ: Mkhwebane hits back at attempts to remove her from office Mkhwebane has already described the process to remove as "grossly unfair and unconstitutional".
Mokgalapa was thrust into the spotlight last year when a recording of him allegedly having sex and discussing council legal battles with MMC Sheila Senkubuge emerged.
Sekunbuge resigned in the wake of the scandal while Moglakapa was placed on special leave.
Mokgalapa says he leaves the city with a clear conscious.
"I think you have seen the report from FedEx (DA federal executive) last week which has exonerated me in that field. That matter has been laid to rest."
Tshwane council will now again have its hands full in the coming weeks with the task of electing a new mayor.
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