Court rules removal of Phalatse as Joburg mayor unlawful
Dr Mpho Phalatse's removal as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg has been ruled unlawful and unconstitutional.
The Gauteng High Court on Tuesday ruled that the removal of the DA’s Mpho Phalatse as Mayor of Johannesburg was unlawful, unconstitutional and invalid.
The DA lost control of the City after Phalatse was voted out of power last month in the council through a motion of no confidence brought by minority parties and backed by the ANC.
🚨 DA wins court case against the ANC's illegal takeover in Johannesburg. The High Court has declared the removal of Mayor Mpho Phalatse unlawful. This is a victory for the Rule of Law.
With 71% of promises delivered within 10 months, Dr Mpho will continue to focus on delivery. pic.twitter.com/agG9EjZWEy
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) October 25, 2022
Judge Raylene Keightley ruled that the Speaker of Council, Cllr Colleen Makhubele acted unlawfully, and contrary to the prescripts of the Constitution and the Rules in refusing to permit them to speak; in refusing to consider their request for a caucus break, and for refusing to permit them to object to or to vote against the motion of no confidence.
According to Dr Mpho Phalatse, this judgment should act as a warning to politicians across the country, who are prepared to do anything, even undermine the law, to grab power for the sake of accessing resources, instead of doing the work they were elected to do and delivering quality services to residents.
“Over the last few weeks, we have been engaging with various political parties and stakeholders who do not want to see service delivery in Joburg collapse under a corrupt government,” she said.
Dr Phalatse said that she will call an immediate meeting of the reinstated Mayoral Committee. The residents of the country’s economic capital deserve a capable and stable government that will repair and rebuild Joburg.
“At this time, we will also be reviewing all decisions made by the illegal ANC Executive, especially those that sought to facilitate corrupt acts in the City,” she said.
“The taps of corruption will once again be closed so that we can keep the lights on, the water running and residents safe. Residents will once again begin to see and feel a different and better Joburg,” said Phalatse.
Phalatse has celebrated Today’s court outcome, calling it a victory for the rule of law and the residents of Joburg.
