Despite residents’ petition the speaker’s office can’t remove Ward 80 councillor
Following the sending of a petition by members of the community of Ward 80 for the expulsion of ward councillor Melody Hlatshwayo, speaker Margaret Arnolds' office said they do not have the power to expel a ward councillor. A ward seat only becomes vacant in the event of death, resignation, expulsion by the councillor’s political party, or a declaration of insolvency.
In their relentless pursuit to remove their local councillor, Ward 80 residents, from Rabie Ridge and Kanana, have taken their dissatisfaction to Speaker Margaret Arnolds’ office in the city.
This is after opening up physical and online petitions in a bid to dethrone councillor Melody Hlatshwayo from her position, ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Hlatshwayo is accused of failing to bring service delivery to the community, as well as interfering with local projects, where she allegedly appoints her ‘people’ and relatives.
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Anthony Muller, a community member, sent an email to the speaker’s office, with an online petition of over 540 signatures, on August 22.
The paper contacted the speaker’s office, which confirmed having received the petitions from residents regarding Hlatshwayo.
In a written response to the paper, the office stated that while it has taken steps to address the concerns raised, it is essential to clarify the legal framework governing the removal of a councillor, and the process for responding to petitions.
“We received a petition on July 14, followed by a second submission on August 22. The matter was investigated, and the speaker engaged directly with the ward councillor. Corrective directives were issued, which the councillor has since complied with.
“A detailed written response will be provided to the petitioners in the coming days. It is worth noting that some of the guidance given has already been positively received by sections of the community.”
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The speaker’s office further said that the speaker does not have the authority to remove a councillor, citing that a ward seat becomes vacant only in the event of death, resignation, expulsion by the councillor’s political party, or a declaration of insolvency.
When asked what process must be followed, should residents wish to have a councillor removed, the office said, in terms of legislation, councillors cannot be removed through petitions. Only the mechanisms outlined above can trigger a vacancy.
“A by-election can only be declared when the conditions stipulated in law – namely, death, resignation, expulsion by the political party, or insolvency – are met.”
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