JOHANNESBURG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Joburg said that the removal of Kabelo Gwamanda from the mayoral office was not enough, suggesting that the whole municipal council should be dissolved.
Gwamanda’s future in the position hangs in the balance, with some political parties and civil society organisations calling for his ousting.
Earlier this week, ActionSA announced its intentions to work with the African National Congress(ANC) in Joburg on condition that Gwamanda was recalled from the city’s top office.
In December last year, the DA’s motion to dissolve the Joburg council fell flat after a majority of councillors voted against the proposal.
There are 270 seats in the council, and a two-thirds majority is required to successfully dissolve the House.
Despite not having the numbers to pass the motion, the DA’s Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said that the dissolution of the council was the best shot at stabilising the city.
“If the mayor is removed, we are going to sit with the same problem in a few months time. So the merry-go-round for mayors is a challenge for the DA. We are of the view that the city seriously needs to consider the dissolution of the council.”
A by-election would have to be held to elect a new council unless the MEC responsible for local government decides the dissolution must stand until the next local government election.
EWN
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