Mpho Phalatse removed as Joburg mayor, again

The African Transformation Movement (ATM), African Independent Congress (AIC) and Al Jama-ah teamed up to sponsor a motion of no confidence against Phalatse. 

140 councillors voted in favour of her removal, while 129 councillors voted against it. 

Last year Phalatse was reinstated after the High Court ruling that her then-removal - and subsequent replacement with the ANC’s Dada Morero - was unlawful. 

Phalatse says while she’s disappointed by the outcome, she is relieved that her removal was done legally. 

"I am overwhelmed, I feel sad for our residents, I feel sad for the City,” she said.  

“The City was in good hands and it's really sad that it ended like this.” 

She adds: “I am relieved however compared to the last time, that this was done legally, that the rules of the council and the law of the land were followed to the T.” 

”I am relieved, even when I walk out of my office, I know that it was done the right way," says Phalatse.  

Phalatse noted that she is concerned about the plans her party had for Johannesburg.  

“This morning we were announcing with City Power a plan to offset three stages of load shedding, I can only hope that whatever administration is voted in can leave politics aside and see that plan through, our residents deserve to have a break from load shedding," she says.  

 Phalatse confirmed that she will not be challenging her ousting. 

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