‘I am now in charge’

Acting mayor of City of Cape Town Ian Neilson said yesterday he held all the authority following Patricia de Lille’s sacking by the DA.

“In terms of the Municipal Structures Act, when the post of executive mayor is vacant, the executive deputy mayor, who is elected by council, automatically holds all mayoral authority until such time as a new executive mayor is elected by council,” said Neilson.

“As acting executive mayor, I hold all the authority of the mayoral seat and am committed to continuing to serve the residents of Cape Town with uninterrupted service delivery.

“Having served as executive deputy mayor for the past nine years, having been a city councillor for 22 years, and having been involved in the leadership of numerous administrations, I am fully apprised of the needs of the city and those we serve.”

De Lille said, however, she would be launching court action on Friday to challenge the DA’s cessation of her membership and subsequent dismissal as mayor.

Neilson said the city manager had informed the Independent Electoral Commission SA about the vacancy in the council.

“We await due process to unfold and we will communicate further in due course.

“In the meantime, we assure Cape Town residents that the city administration is secure and we remain committed to the work we do to deliver services across the city.” – Citizen reporter