It’s D-day for Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille, who is is expected to give reasons today as to why her party should keep her as mayor of its most significant metro. De Lille told media yesterday that she does not intend to go down without a fight.
It has been an on-going public spat between De Lille and the party as the Democratic Alliance (DA) prepares to welcome new leadership.
De Lille was suspended last year from all party related activities after allegations of maladministration surfaced. Tension started after she closed down a special investigating unit looking into corruption. The City’s Mayco member, JP Smith, reported the matter to the DA. He has also been suspended from all party activities.
De Lille is not only facing a tough battle with DA, she has also received backlash from City council and Cape Town residents over her decision to introduce a water levy. The funds from the levy will be used to fund the City’s augmentation plans to assist the water crisis.
The Mayor is also currently under investigation by a City law firm appointed by council to probe allegations of corruption leveled against her.
De Lille, City urban development and transport commissioner Melissa Whitehead, as well as City manager Achmat Ebrahim were all being investigated after Craig Kesson, director in De Lille’s office, claimed they covered up corruption.
Today, the City council will meet behind closed doors to exam a report that could see the dismissal of various top brasses, including the mayor.
According to various sources, the report compiled by Bowman Gilfillan law firm has enough evidence to order a probe into De Lille, which could likely end her political career.
Picture: City of Cape Town