MIDDELBURG – Following a series of disrupted council proceedings, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Steve Tshwete municipality has written to the rules and ethics committee, asking them to investigate what it describes as the unruly conduct of ANC councillors.
“Those found guilty of misconduct should face the full might of the law,” said DA caucus leader in Steve Tshwete, Morgan Bruiners.
The councillors have, on numerous occasions, disrupted council meetings chaired by the speaker, Thato Mathunyane. A special sitting meant to debate a motion of no confidence against Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela did not materialise as it collapsed because the ANC did not want the speaker to chair.
The meeting was subsequently rescheduled, but proceedings were again disrupted after Mathunyane was threatened. Following this meeting, Mathunyane laid charges against four ANC councillors for assault and intimidation.
The 25th of June was no exception, as the councillors utterly refused to acknowledge the speaker “until he withdraws the charges.” A budget vote could not be passed due to the disruptions.
The DA has called for the rules and ethics committee to take action against the ANC caucus. “The caucus has shown blatant disregard for the speaker. The deliberation of council items is compromised. The municipality’s council chambers have turned into a chaotic and hostile environment,” said Morgan Bruiners.
Bruiners further stated that they will not sit idly by. “We will not sit back and watch this town descend into anarchy. Lawlessness and malicious conduct will not be tolerated in council. We will not allow anarchy to take over under our watch.”
He also remarked that the ANC’s demise in Steve Tshwete is on the horizon. “We can’t allow them to cling to power by hook or crook when they only secured 36.3% in the local polls,” he said. “All political parties represented in the Steve Tshwete council must reject the ANC’s violent tactics to bring order and stability to the council.”
The ANC’s position on the matter remains unchanged. “We previously stated that this matter should not have involved police and lawyers in the first place,” said ANC Nkangala regional secretary Sello Matshoga. “It should have been referred to the rules and ethics committee for investigation, and a decision would be made if they are found guilty.”
Matshoga added that his party will soon meet with the DA to discuss the issue. “We will be meeting with the DA to address a range of issues affecting us in the Steve Tshwete council and to chart a way forward,” he said.
