The long awaited motion of no confidence in the leadership of the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) failed by a large margin last week.
Five months of protracted debate and political posturing ended with a resounding 35 to four vote against the motion, with 15 councillors abstaining.
The result was something of a foregone conclusion, with no opposition coalition and multiple opposition councillors – including ActionSA’s Stephne Ashworth – absent on the day.
Nevertheless, ActionSA chose not to withdraw the motion, calling it a symbolic criticism of the way that the municipality was being run.
“These motions were introduced as a matter of principle to address maladministration. So, notwithstanding the outcome of the vote, ActionSA is satisfied that it was finally tabled and heard,” said ActionSA caucus leader, Nel Sewraj.
Chief among the parties who abstained were the Democratic Alliance (DA), who remained firm in their promise that they would never vote on a motion of no confidence without a formal coalition agreement signed.
“The DA abstained, not because we support the African National Congress (ANC), but rather because we believe that we have to keep residents of KwaDukuza at the front and centre of our decisions.
“Service delivery is what is important to our residents, and to place the municipality in a situation where there is a possibility of being placed under administration is reckless and irresponsible,” said DA caucus leader, Tammy Colley.
The Independent Alliance (IA), who appeared publicly in support of the motion just over a month ago, also abstained, as did the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Similarly, switching their recorded allegiances were the African Independent Congress (AIC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who went as far as voting with the ANC in last week’s meeting.
This included a passionate speech in defence of the leadership from EFF caucus leader Thobisile Nkosi, after she told the Courier that she wanted the ANC out just a month ago.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) was the final party to vote against the motion, with the African Christian Democratic Party absent on the day.
There was brief controversy around the meeting, which was scheduled to be held in the council chambers, which does not have space for public viewing.
Once the meeting had started, ANC supporters who had gathered to see the outcome of the motion entered the chambers, demanding that it was moved to a suitable location.
After a meeting with the chief whips of all parties, it was agreed that the meeting would continue in the town hall.
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