MIDDELBURG – The suspension of Steve Tshwete Councillor Musawenkosi Masina has sparked mixed reactions over who has powers to do so.
Masina was suspended by speaker Andries Mabena after his arrest on 10 April for allegedly selling fake permits to shop operators during lockdown.
Previous speaker and senior member of Steve Tshwete council, Alderman Robert Mayoyo Xaba, questioned the legality around the suspension. “Which rules of order give him the right and powers to suspend the councillor,” he asked. Xaba further said that Mabena took the decision hastily without consultation. “He did not consult with me, the chief whip, and a number of people. We would have advised him how to deal with the matter,” he said.
In response, Mabena said he suspended the councillor because of lockdown. The Council cannot sit at the moment because of the lockdown period we are in. “With the powers vested in me as the speaker, we then decided to suspend the councillor until the lockdown is over where the matter will go to rules and ethics committee which will have its own recommendations to council,” Mabena explained.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also weighed in saying it is ANC internal politics at play. “The policy is clear that only council and the MEC have such powers. We view this as factional battles within the ANC,” said Johhan Dyson, DA chief whip.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) sprung to the defence of Mabena. “The speaker was correct in taking such a decision. You must remember that during this time of lockdown where the Council cannot sit, the speaker is in charge of the Council,” said EFF leader, Enos Sebesho.
The African National Congress (ANC) in Nkangala has since welcomed the decision of the speaker. “We welcome the decision of the speaker to suspend the said councillor with immediate effect and the matter should be referred to the rules and ethics committee for investigation and processing,” said ANC regional spokesperson, Sello Matshoga.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has condemned the councillor’s behaviour and also gave clarity on the matter. “Should a councillor be found to be in breach of the Code of Conduct, such a councillor may be removed from office by the MEC responsible for local government,” SALGA said in a statement.
