DA in NW 405 launches motion of no confidence in speaker

In the press statement, the DA whip, Neels Coetzer, says the party is asking for his immediate removal and another councillor to be appointed in his place for an interim period. ‘Mogoeemang has become an obstacle to the legal functioning of the council. His violation of standing orders and the ignorant decision not to call ordinary council meetings in Tlokwe have both had a negative impact on the community. Since the inauguration of the mayor and amalgamation of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp, no council meetings have been called,’ he said. Coetzer believes this is a clear attempt by the ANC to silence the opposition and stop it from conducting oversight, as enshrined in the Constitution. ‘It is impossible to keep the ANC accountable if we do not have regular meetings as prescribed by our present standing orders.

‘Mogoeemang displays persistent partiality, unlawfulness and is a stumbling block to progress in Tlokwe.

‘The DA believes that the unrelenting attack on democracy by the current speaker, in line with the previous speaker’s way of doing things, serves to reduce the council to a mockery. Most critically, and most shamefully, the speaker, like his predecessor, has ignored sincere and frank correspondence from the DA about real issues affecting the lives of residents who are desperate for help from the municipal council,’ said Coetzer.

Coetzer believes the council should be home to vigorous debate and action to improve the lives of all residents. He argued, therefore, that Mogoeemang has become an obstacle to the legal functioning of the council as well as to the executive oversight in council.

‘He should be removed to ensure that the city is served by principled and responsible people,’ he argued.

*NW 405 has not responded to the DA’s call to have the speaker removed. The Herald did afford the council an opportunity to comment on the party’s press statement but had not received a response at the time of going to print on Wednesday.