Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Cllr Kwena Moloto here
ActionSA has failed its first test in Tshwane, showing that it is the ANC/EFF who truly run the city and control the coalition, as they voted to override Council rules to protect an ANC Councillor flagged for removal.
ActionSA Councillors sheepishly raised their hands to protect ANC Councillor T Malefane who has missed six Council meetings over a seven-month period. Council rules are clear: any Councillor who misses three meetings without apology must be referred to the MEC for removal.
Councillors are paid by residents to represent them and be present in Council. Councillor T Malefane’s repeated absences show a complete disregard for this responsibility and misuse of taxpayer money.
This incident paints a troubling picture for Tshwane. If ActionSA is willing to bow to ANC/EFF pressure on relatively minor issues, how will they stand firm when the stakes are higher? We have seen the ANC/EFF coalition install proxy mayors in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, and it’s only a matter of time before they exert similar pressure here in Tshwane to push for lucrative contracts, lift suspensions of implicated officials, or bury forensic reports.
The DA will refer Councillor T. Malefane directly to the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for removal. We will not allow him to continue drawing a salary from residents while neglecting his responsibilities.