Maile: We are not embarrassed, we are strengthening our case
Gauteng Cooperative Governance MEC Lebogang Maile has denied being embarrassed by having to rescind the suspensions of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors Vasco da Gama and Katlego Mathebe.
Maile came in for sharp criticism following his dramatic U-turn on Monday, announcing that the former speaker of the Johannesburg council Da Gama and the current Tshwane council speaker Mathebe are no longer suspended without pay.
“The decision is not unlawful, we did not abuse our power. The merit of the case has not changed, so why would I embarrassed?” he asked at a press briefing on Tuesday.
“If I was saying we have acted unlawfully and abused our power and we have falsely accused people and we are now changing all those things. We are not changing all these things, we are strengthening our case so why do we become embarrassed?”
Last week Maile said Mathebe and Da Gama for suspended for six and three months respectively for acting in a manner that put their personal interests above those of the residents of Tshwane and Johannesburg.
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However, legal advice given to Maile states that Johannesburg and Tshwane councils should determine the two councillors’ fate.
“In light of the strong merits of our initial decision, we have issued a written directive to the chief whip of the City of Tshwane and accepted the request of the chief whip of the City of Johannesburg respectively, to conduct an investigation into the matter and come to a final determination within seven days from today,” Maile said.