Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille faces an uncertain political future as the Democratic Alliance caucus has decided to vote in favour of a motion of no confidence to remove her as mayor from the City.
The DA’s Western Cape leader Bonginkosi Madikizela, who is rumoured to take over from De Lille, said that the caucus voted on Thursday to have De Lille removed. “The DA caucus of the City of Cape Town last night decided by 84 votes to 59 and one spoilt vote that it has lost confidence in Mayor Patricia de Lille,” Madikizelda said in a statement.
He added the vote was requested by ward councillor Mercia Kleinsmith, who earlier this week penned an open letter to the City Of Cape Town caucus chairperson Suzette Little.
The suggestion of a motion of no confidence will go the DA’s highest decision-making body which will decide on the matter before it goes to council, in what is seen as the culmination of an ongoing public spat between De Lille and the Democratic Alliance as the party prepares to welcome new leadership in the City.
De Lille was formally charged by the DA earlier this month for bringing the party into disrepute, refusing to comply with party decisions, undue interference and failing to perform duties and responsibilities. The DA has painted De Lille as power-hungry.
The DA’s party leader Mmusi Maimane said this week there was clear evidence of divisive, autocratic leadership from De Lille which has created a paralysing culture of fear. De Lille remains suspended from the party.
http://www.capetownetc.com/news/da-formally-charges-de-lille/
The DA’s Federal Executive chairperson James Selfe said they would be considering the matter in the next few weeks.