Calls to identify and discipline unruly municipal employees
The DA has called on Municipal Manager Mandla Mnguni to identify and discipline unruly municipal employees who, not once but twice, removed Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela from his office.
Employees refuse to work when Mayor Masilela enters municipal buildings, even when the mayor’s office is well separated from the rest of the offices and has access control with no free entry.
In a statement, DA caucus leader Hennie Nieman said “some employees are not happy with the executive mayor, but the fact is workers may not remove a sitting mayor from office, as he was duly elected by the council”.
Only the council can remove a sitting mayor.
On Friday, October 14, the council gathered to consider a motion of no confidence in Mayor Masilela.
The meeting was called by Mr Mnguni after the motion was submitted by the EFF.
Speaker Thomas Mpye ruled that correct procedures were not followed with the notice in terms of the council’s standing rules and orders.
The meeting was adjourned before a debate on the merits of the motion, which would not have succeeded without the support of the DA.
On Monday, October 17, municipal workers downed tools after Mayor Masilela arrived at the civic centre.
They gathered outside the civic centre and refused to work until the mayor departed.
This is the second time the mayor has been forcibly removed.
“The DA condemns the illegal work stoppage and intimidation as it contravenes a recent High Court interdict against such actions.”
