Tshwane Speaker Mncedisi Ndzwanana has survived a motion of no confidence brought against him by the Democratic Alliance.
Ndzwanana, an ATM councillor, survived after 114 councillors voted against the motion while 82 others supported it. There was one abstention from the voting. His stay was supported by the coalition partners, including ActionSA, EFF, and ANC.
He dismissed the claims that he has been unfair and biased in running council meetings. And he added that his decisions in the council chamber are not driven by emotions or personal views.
Baseless accusations
“As mentioned, I noted the latest misguided assertion and baseless accusations around me as the Speaker of Council. As the champion of oversight and holding the executive accountable, I conduct the meetings of Council in accordance with the Rules and Orders By-law,” said Ndzwanana.
“It is wholly incorrect to assert that opposition parties are being silenced in council meetings. In fact, there is [no] political party in the council that is being silenced. It’s my duty to be fair and impartial when managing debates,” said Ndzwanana.
He further denied that he is constantly silencing opposition parties during council meetings. The Speaker claimed that he pushes for fairness and impartiality when managing debates and motions.
Ndzwanana also highlighted the transparency of council business, pointing out that meetings, except for in-committee sessions, are live-streamed on YouTube, which he said allows the public to view the full proceedings.
Holds the executive accountable
“As the champion of oversight, I always make sure that all the committees sit to provide a platform to hold the executive accountable.
“Therefore, I categorically deny the shallow allegations that my office is denying committee members and councillors the opportunity to hold the executive accountable,” said Ndzwanana.
Tshepiso Modiba, ActionSA Tshwane spokesperson, said the DA was attempting to destabilise the municipality. He was excited that “the enemy has been defeated”.
“Let this victory be a reminder to them that they are just an ordinary opposition who is no longer relevant to the politics of Tshwane,” said Modiba.
Tshegofatso Mashabela, EFF spokesperson, also defended Ndzwanana. She said that he has been performing well in his duty as speaker.
Cilliers Brink, DA Tshwane caucus leader, said the Tshwane government will regret the move. He said it should not come back crying months after voting to keep Ndzwanana as speaker.
DA says council is stale
Brink added that the Tshwane council was stale, as decisions are usually made without consulting the voters.
“It was clear that there was, in fact, internal division in the coalition. Ndzwanana is a one man party (ATM). And there are other councillors in the ANC coalition who want his position. But we suspect that the coalition now wants to focus on removing the city’s top management. So they are prompted to pause the fight for positions,” said Brink.
