western cape government

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 17: Democratic Alliance (DA) leaders Mmusi Maimane and James Selfe during a media briefing on March 17, 2018 in Pretoria, South Africa. DA announced a list of members nominated for new leadership in the party ahead of its federal congress next month. (Photo by Gallo Images / Rapport / Elizabeth Sejake)

Maimane: Ousting of Trollip a sham, orchestrated by a ‘coalition of corruption’

Speaking at a press conference, organised to address issues with Trollip’s removal, Maimane labelled the motion of no confidence a ‘sham’, supported by a ‘coalition of corruption’.

western cape government

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 17: Democratic Alliance (DA) leaders Mmusi Maimane and James Selfe during a media briefing on March 17, 2018 in Pretoria, South Africa. DA announced a list of members nominated for new leadership in the party ahead of its federal congress next month. (Photo by Gallo Images / Rapport / Elizabeth Sejake)

Athol Trollip has been voted out of his Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral chains, following a controversial betrayal by fellow party member, Victor Manyati.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) still believes Trollip is in a position of power within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, while opposition parties argue that his removal is fair and binding.

‘I am still the mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay’ – Trollip

As reported by News24, the DA coalition’s speaker, Johnathan Lawack, was removed after a motion of no confidence in him succeeded on Monday morning.

The success of this recall was due to Manyati’s refusal to vote along party lines. Shortly afterwards, he was axed from the DA.

But the damage was already done. Ceasing on momentum, a fresh motion of no confidence was tabled against Trollip, spearheaded by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and supported by the African National Congress (ANC) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

While the DA and its supporters were, quite literally, left out in the cold, Trollip was swiftly removed from power. But Mmusi Maimane, leader of the DA says no deal.

‘Coalition of corruption’

Speaking at a press conference, organised to address issues with Trollip’s removal, Maimane labelled the motion of no confidence a ‘sham’, supported by a ‘coalition of corruption’.

Herald Live provided a running commentary on the conference, in which Maimane said:

“What is clear is that the alliance between the ANC, EFF and UDM is well underway.”

Victor Manyati’s betrayal

The DA leader bemoaned the fact that Manyati was convinced to switch sides at a pivotal moment in municipality’s leadership row.

Following Manyati’s initial no-vote, the councillor literally crossed the floor to sit with ANC members.

According to Maimane, Manyati turned against the DA because opposition forces ‘helped him with his court case’.

DA goes to court over Trollip’s dismissal

While newly elected Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Mongameli Bobani, from the UDM, settles into his power seat, the DA argues that Trollips removal and Bobani’s promotion are altogether invalid.

Maimane maintains that due process had been flouted and that the matter would be brought before the courts as soon as possible.

Herald Live reported on Maimane’s views on the illegality surrounding Trollip’s dismissal; the party leader said:

“We are of the opinion that the [council] sitting was procedurally invalid and lacked legitimate authority to legally elect a new speaker‚ and then subsequently pass the motion of no confidence in the executive mayor.

This was a mock council meeting that elected a mock government‚ and we are of the view that yesterday’s proceedings are invalid in law.

We categorically denounce this move and call it out for what it was – a political coup by this coalition of corruption hellbent on re-establishing patronage networks that enrich the few at the expense of the many.”