SASOLBURG –The Free State High Court has ruled in favour of Jeff Zwane, who challenged his dismissal as Metsimaholo Local Municipality mayor.
The court has declared that the council Speaker, Lucas Fisher’s decision to place a motion of no confidence against Zwane was unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid.
On August 01, the African National Congress and Economic Freedom Fighters tabled an ‘illegal’ Motion Of No Confidence in Mayor Zwane after the DA blocked tens of millions of Rand in illegal payments to a developer.
Following the sacking of Zwane, the municipality appointed Jack Malindi of the African Independent Congress (AIC) as the new mayor.
On Wednesday, August 23, the DA received the court’s verdict.
Chairperson of the DA Federal Council Helen Zille welcomed the decision by the court.
“We welcome the Free State High Court’s personal costs order granted against Lucas Fisher, the rogue Speaker of Metsimaholo who stubbornly failed to appreciate the rights of Mayor Jeff Zwane to call for witnesses during the illegal MONC. Even if our government does not have a majority in the council, the DA will not tolerate mafia tactics where we govern,” she said.
Zille said the DA reiterates its commitment towards transparency, and accountability and demonstrates that where their part governs.
“We will continue to fight to uphold the rule of law and safeguard responsible governance, to ensure that we create a prosperous and well-managed municipality for all Metsimaholo residents,” she said.
The municipality spokesman Dr Gino Alberts noted the ruling by the court on the matter.
“The municipality will await the full judgment expected to be delivered within ten days to determine an appropriate cause of action. Accordingly, the municipality respects the rule of law and therefore will abide by the decision of the Free State High Court,” he said.
