DA’s day goes downhill as motion of no confidence in Makhura fails

The motion of no confidence in Gauteng Premier David Makhura tabled by the DA over the Life Esidimeni tragedy has failed.

The hints of a bad Tuesday for the party started showing when a court found that Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille should not have been expelled from the DA.

READ MORE: Patricia de Lille’s DA expulsion reversed in court

John Moodey, head of the DA in Gauteng, the province’s premier and his executive team contravened Chapter 2 of the constitution in their handling of the transferral of psychiatric patients from Life Esidimeni to unlicensed NGOs, where more than 140 patients died from negligence and general lack of care.

He said the resignation by former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu following the scandal was not a noble act, as she was never remorseful.

Out of the 65 votes tallied, 27 voted yes and 38 voted no, with one abstention.

During the debate, Gauteng health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa said the DA’s attempt to have Makhura removed was a cheap political shot aimed at taking over the province at all costs.

“We respect the wishes of the families that this tragedy not be used to score political points. When we reflect on this tragedy we do so with heavy hearts. The DA wants to take over Gauteng at all costs, including trampling on the wish of the families,” she told the legislature during a motion of no confidence debate brought against Makhura by the DA.

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