A motion by the DA to remove the Speaker of JB Marks Local Municipality, Alderman Moithoesi Rosy Dassie, narrowly failed during an ordinary Council meeting on May 26.

The motion, tabled in terms of Section 40 of the Municipal Structures Act, was defeated in a 35–32 vote after the Patriotic Alliance voted alongside the ANC.

According to DA councillor Heinricha Hodgson, the motion followed what the party described as “serious and ongoing concerns” regarding the functioning of council under the current Speaker. The DA alleged that the Speaker failed to act impartially, applied council rules inconsistently, and limited councillor participation during meetings.

The party further claimed that council proceedings were manipulated through irregular meetings, the sidelining of councillor questions, and the tabling of incomplete reports.

“The continued failure to enforce Council resolutions and ensure the proper functioning of portfolio committees further reflects a breakdown in governance under the current Speaker,” Hodgson said in a statement.

The party argued that weakened oversight within the council negatively affects service delivery and accountability to residents. Following the meeting, Hodgson said the close result showed how important voting remains.

“If we had four more seats in council, we would have had a DA Speaker today,” she said.

She further alleged that ANC provincial leadership structures were present during proceedings to ensure party councillors voted according to instructions. The DA also criticised the manner in which Tuesday’s meeting unfolded, saying several interruptions and delays occurred after opposition parties were allegedly denied the opportunity to debate matters before the council. The sitting only concluded after 18:00.

DA councillor Madra de Bruin said the outcome highlighted growing instability within the governing coalition.

“The council sitting exposed growing instability within the governing coalition and raised serious concerns about political interference in the functioning of the council,” De Bruin said.

She added that councillors are elected to serve residents and uphold the Constitution, “not to operate under intimidation or political pressure from party structures.” The DA said its motion was supported by 13 points of concern relating to procedural fairness, oversight failures, and transparency within council.

Despite the motion failing, the party said the narrow margin demonstrated growing support for accountability and change within JB Marks Local Municipality.

Municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite said the JB Marks Local Municipality Council considered the motion brought against Speaker, Alderman Moithoesi Rosy Dassie, during its ordinary Council sitting held on Tuesday.

According to Tshite, councillors deliberated on the matter before a formal voting process was conducted.

“The motion was subsequently defeated, resulting in the Speaker retaining her position,” said Tshite.

She added that Council had dealt with the matter through a lawful, transparent and democratic process.

“This outcome enables the Municipality to continue executing its constitutional and legislative mandate without disruption, while maintaining its focus on service delivery, governance stability, and the implementation of ongoing community development programmes,” Tshite said.