Phalatse’s removal as mayor declared unlawful by court

This after the High Court in Johannesburg ruled in favour of ousted mayor Mpho Phalatse, declaring the council Speaker's decision to place a no-confidence against the then mayor as unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.

"The Democratic Alliance welcomes today’s judgment in the High Court, which upheld the rule of law, and showed Speakerof Council, Cllr Colleen Makhubele, and the ANC acted illegally, dishonestly and unconstitutionally by effectively staging a coup in hastily removing the duly elected Executive Mayor of Johannesburg and Members of the Mayoral Committee,” the party said in a statement.

"This judgment should act as a warning to politicians across the country, who are prepared to do anything, even undermine the law, to grab power for the sake of accessing resources, instead of doing the work they were elected to do and delivering quality services to residents.

"Over the last few weeks, we have been engaging with various political parties and stakeholders who do not want to see service delivery in Joburg collapse under a corrupt government. Therefore, I will call an immediate meeting of the reinstated Mayoral Committee. The residents of the country’s economic capital deserve a capable and stable government that will repair and rebuild Joburg.

"In this time, we will also be reviewing all decisions made by the illegal ANC Executive, especially those that sought to facilitate corrupt acts in the city. The taps of corruption will once again be closed so that we can keep the lights on, water running and residents safe. Residents will once again begin to see and feel a different and better Joburg. This is indeed a victory for the rule of law and the residents of Joburg.”

READ FULL COURT ORDER BELOW:

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