THE Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini is fuming after its motion of no confidence against eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede was not included in the agenda at the full council meeting on Wednesday.
According to reports, the DA lodged the motion last week and the matter should have been raised and voted on at Wednesday’s meeting. When she noticed the motion had not been included on the agenda, DA eThekwini caucus leader Nicole Graham tried to raise it from the floor at the meeting, but Speaker, William Mapena, rejected it.
Mapena closed the matter without giving feedback after Graham demanded he explain why the motion had been excluded from the agenda. Graham was joined by Inkatha Freedom Party councillor Mdu Nkosi in requesting the mayor’s leave of absence form, and demanded to know who had approved the mayor’s leave, as the mayor was no longer on official leave, although she continued to draw a salary of R115 000 a month.
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Reports indicate that Mapena then put the matter of the mayor’s leave to the vote. ANC councillors voted in favour of the continuation of her leave while opposition parties voted against it. Councillor Graham said the DA were considering its options and would communicate this in due course.
Gumede and eThekwini councillor Mondli Mthembu have been on leave since June after an appearance in court for fraud and corruption. They will make their next court appearance on 8 August.
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