DA calls for calm, plots way forward

THE DA in the Northern Cape has called for calm while its legal team determines what action to take following yesterday’s ruling in the Northern Cape High Court, allowing Mangaliso Matika to continue as the city mayor.

“We respectfully disagree with the conclusions that the court drew in the matter relating to the removal of (Mangaliso) Matika as executive mayor of the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and we will be consulting with our legal team to explore our options going forward,” said DA provincial leader Andrew Louw yesterday.

“The fact still remains that a majority of councillors have adopted a lawful motion of no confidence in Matika, which was prompted by years of poor leadership culminating in widespread protests and a shutdown of the city.

“Matika’s poor governance, which has been characterised by corruption and the collapse of service delivery in Kimberley, has led to a large-scale loss of faith in his ability to lead the city.

“It is time for Matika to stop clinging to power blindly, but to step down and to allow for the election of another mayor, as per the lawful motion of no confidence passed.”

Louw called for residents to remain calm in the interim and he urged the public to refrain from any violence and lawlessness.

“We fully understand the frustration of community members who are fed up with the failing ANC, which refuses to listen to their concerns, but another shutdown is not the answer.

“On behalf of the DA, I plead with the community not to resort to any forms of violence, intimidation or vandalism because it does not pay.”