Matika no confidence motion dismissed

COUNCIL took the opportunity to dismiss a motion of no confidence against Sol Plaatje executive mayor Mangaliso Matika after the DA staged a walkout during the special council meeting that was held yesterday.

DA councillor Phillip Vorster in a letter advised the acting Speaker and municipal manager that they would not attend the meeting because they did not support the “unlawful processes” that led to the removal of the existing Speaker, Santa Johnson, and the unlawful adoption of the budget.

“We are in the process of obtaining legal advice with regard to the necessary legal remedies that we will be seeking in the near future to set aside the illegal conduct of some councillors.”

EFF councillor Frances Thulo and ANC councillors agreed that the motion could not be debated in council in the absence of the DA, which had submitted the motion.

“This motion, like the R260 electricity levy, must fall,” Thulo stated.

He advised council that instead of generating revenue through the sale of electricity it should source income through traffic fines and rentals.

Thulo reminded council that it was unprofessional to keep making U-turns on binding council decisions. “While we are glad that the mayor has listened to the demands of the community, council needs to first consult with residents and abide by their decisions,” Thulo added.

ANC councillor Boitumelo Joel Stout found it unacceptable that the DA had absconded from three council meetings.

“This needs to be reported to the South African Local Bargaining Council (Salga) and the Independent Electoral Council so that they are aware of what is happening in chambers.”

He advised the acting Speaker, Benjamin Springbok, to lodge a complaint with the legal team and Salga.

Cope councillor Rosie Ludick added that apart from unaffordable electricity prices, ratepayers were burdened by high property rates and sanitation and water tariffs.

“Without the electricity levy a large portion of the budget has fallen away and will have to be recouped from elsewhere, in order to balance the books.”

Freedom Front Plus councillor Wynand Boshoff pointed out that the electricity network would have to be maintained with a smaller pool of funds if electricity was charged at a lower fee.

He recommended the use of alternative energy to save electricity costs. Executive mayor Mangaliso Matika