I am still mayor, says axed Prince
CONFUSION reigns at the Kgatelopele Municipality in Danielskuil after a motion of no confidence was passed to remove mayor Norman Prince, although he insists that he is not going anywhere.
The opposition-led coalition council is made up of two DA and two Kgatelopele Community Forum (KCF) councillors, including Prince, and three ANC councillors.
According to KCF secretary George Ngezi, the majority of councillors supported the motion at a special council meeting yesterday.
“The motion was brought forward by the ANC. Prince recused himself, while the meeting continued in his absence. The DA did not take part in the vote and also walked out. The remaining councillors from the ANC and KCF appointed councillor Irene Bester to chair the meeting.”
Ngezi stated that the remaining councillors unanimously agreed to pass the motion of no confidence in Prince.
“No one opposed the motion, except Prince, he was the only one. There are various grounds to motivate for his removal.
“Council will now have 14 days to elect a new mayor. The KCF has yet to decide who will be the best mayoral candidate.”
Ngezi indicated that it would not be necessary to hold a by-election as Prince was a Proportional Representative councillor.
“As far as I know the coalition with the DA will continue. The KCF expelled Prince. If the KCF wins the high court case, council will be compelled to declare a vacancy in the ward.”
Prince, however, insisted that the meeting, which continued in his absence, was unprocedural.
“The two DA councillors who presented a motion of no confidence against me, formally withdrew the motion in council and apologised yesterday.
“I concluded the meeting and I am not aware of another motion that was on the agenda. This is tantamount to a kangaroo court and a banana republic. I am still the mayor. I will be in office today.”
Prince added that due to the court case, Ngezi, whom he indicated had also been recalled as a councillor, was prevented from acting on behalf of the KCF.
“I am doing a good job and the respective councillors are acting in an irregular fashion.”
ANC provincial spokesperson Naledi Gaosekwe denied that any ANC councillor had passed a motion of no confidence against the mayor.
“The motion was passed by a councillor from the KCF, although the ANC councillors did vote in favour of the motion.” She indicated that Irene Bester was an ANC councillor.
Gaosekwe added that in light of the developments at Kgatelopele Municipality, the ANC Provincial Executive Committee would visit Danielskuil to decide on the way forward.
“The ANC is in the best position to take control of the municipality.”
Kgatelopele municipal manager, Morgan Motswana, indicated that he was not in a position to speak on the matter but promised to provide comment today.
DA provincial chairperson, Harold McGluwa, stated that the party would allow the judicial processes to unfold. “We will be meeting with the Kgatelopele Community Forum to determine the way forward.”