DA says no to administration plan
THE DA in Gauteng has vowed to fight plans by the ANC-led provincial government to place the City of Tshwane under administration.
This comes after MEC for human settlements and co-operative governance Lebogang Maile announced that the provincial government intended to take over control of the municipality as part of addressing its instability issues and protecting residents.
The DA has, however, dismissed Maile’s announcement as an empty threat which was aimed at stealing the city.
Gauteng caucus leader Solly Msimanga said the official opposition would try by all means to block the takeover of the municipality by the ANC.
“We will continue fighting, using whatever constitutional mechanisms possible, to ensure that more of our country is not captured and used to advance the interests of individuals who want to get their hands on taxpayers’ money for their benefit,” he said.
Last week, the Tshwane council successfully pushed through a motion of no confidence against speaker Katlego Mathebe and mayor Stevens Mokgalapa, but the decision was temporarily suspended by the North Gauteng High Court after the DA launched an urgent interdict.
The matter will be heard by the court on December 17.
Mokgalapa has been embroiled in a sex scandal after an audio recording of him and former MMC for transport Sheila Senkubuge, in which they were allegedly having sex, was leaked to the media.
The motion of no confidence against Mathebe came as she was accused of failing to execute her responsibilities as speaker.
Msimanga said Maile’s insistence that the city be placed under administration was an empty threat.
“The MEC’s political posturing lacks credibility and substance as he did not follow due process as set out by the Constitution,” Msimanga said.
He added that the current state of the metro did not necessitate its placement under administration, as it was fully functional.
“These failed attempts by MEC Maile are part of a broader plan by the ANC-led Gauteng Provincial Government to hijack the City of Tshwane and gain control of the city’s fiscus as we move towards the 2021 local government elections. Money meant for service delivery will no doubt be diverted to campaigning activities,” Msimanga said.
Speaking yesterday, Maile said the provincial administration was serious about moving into Tshwane, and that the city’s top brass had been informed of that decision.
“That decision was not taken by me. It was taken by the provincial cabinet, chaired by the premier (David Makhura).
“There has been a decision already, so it cannot be an empty threat. They are just consoling themselves and hoping it does not happen, but it will.”
He rejected accusations that the decision by the provincial government was aimed at hijacking the city from the DA.