ON FEBRUARY 29, the eThekwini Municipality’s council voted to remove councillor André Beetge from the mayoral executive committee (Exco) after a motion brought forward by ANC councillors was passed.

Also read: Beetge appointed to new eThekwini position

Councillor Ntando Khuzwayo, who raised the motion, claimed that Beetge’s conduct was unbecoming for an Exco member as he failed to uphold the responsibilities that come with his position. Beetge’s removal from Exco means he is now a part-time eThekwini councillor and no longer permanent. He will, however, continue his normal duties as a duly elected Ward 97 councillor.

In January, while still an Exco and a finance committee member, Beetge supported a motion of no confidence which had been tabled to remove eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda. By doing this, Khuzwayo said Beetge had undermined his trust relationship with the mayor, who chairs the Exco meetings.

“Councillor Beetge’s actions have not only compromised the effectiveness of the Exco but have also damaged the integrity and trust within the municipality’s leadership structure,” said Khuzwayo.

The DA councillors tried in vain to fight the motion, arguing it was illegal, but the ANC councillors and its smaller-party allies obtained enough votes to remove Beetge.

Also read: Cllr Beetge vying for third election

In response, Beetge confirmed that he will continue with his normal duties as an elected Ward 97 councillor, but the DA has an option of nominating him again or another person for the council seat that has been made vacant by his removal. He explained that in South Africa, municipalities are founded in terms of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998 which not only classifies the municipality as local, district or metro but also the governance model.

“The decision of who represents the party and fills the seats is at the discretion of the party and not the council, as per the amendment to the act in 2021 whereby the council notes merely said ‘nomination’. However, whether by oversight or intention, Section 53 (1) of the act still allows for the council to remove a member of the executive by majority vote albeit without prescription of the criteria. While this affords a window of opportunity to remove a non or poorly performing individual, it also opens a window for political shenanigans should the majority vote so be garnered,” said Beetge.

It was through Section 53 (1) of the act that Beetge was removed as an Exco member and a permanent councillor.

The DA is expected to fill the vacancy at the next council meeting scheduled for March 12.

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