Re-run for position of Council Speaker
"This was a good lesson to the ruling party not to follow the law only when it suited them"
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Msukaligwa Municipality say they are happy that their call for a re-run for the position of Speaker for Council was finally listened to when a re-run took place through secret ballot last Wednesday.
During the swearing-in of councillors last month, EFF councillor Mr Themba Soko raised an objection during the nominations for the Council Speaker when Ms Thulisile Nkosi and Ms Mapulane Nkosi were nominated and the presiding officer, Mr Zwelihle Shongwe, called for a vote by a show of hands, from which Ms Mapulane emerged victorious.
On 22 August, the EFF wrote a letter to Municipal Manager Mr Shongwe, calling on him to reconvene the council
meeting and start the process over, as they objected to the proceedings.
Last Wednesday the re-run finally took place with the two candidates going head-to-head and Ms Mapulane once again receiving the overwhelming votes (28). Ms Thulisile Nkosi received three votes and five ballots were spoilt.
Speaking to the Highvelder, Mr Soko said this was a good lesson to the ruling party not to follow the law only when it suited them.
The Speaker immediately had her hands full as Mr Soko kept on raising his hand for points of order and challenged the house by raising several points supported by the Constitution and the Municipal Systems Act.
The EFF refused to condone decisions taken by Council and called for a division, as the decision had financial implications.
When asked if they were pleased with the outcome of the re-run and the meeting, Mr Soko said they were, but warned that the positions of the Mayor and Chief Whip also needed to be subjected to a re-run process.
Mr Soko added that any expenses in pursuance of the Council resolution would be regarded as irregular expenditure, which wpuld have to be reported to Treasury.
However, municipal spokesman Mr Mandla Zwane informed the Highvelder that they were not aware of any irregular expenditure on this matter at this stage.
When asked why it took long for Council to react to the EFF call, Mr Zwane said Council may, from time to time, vary or rescind any of its decisions as and when new information became available or it was persuaded otherwise.
