Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille has won her first victory against the Democratic Alliance (DA). The Western Cape High Court on Wednesday ruled that De Lille be allowed back into the party’s Council Caucus when matters of governance of the City are discussed.
However, she may be excluded from caucus meetings should the Steenhuisen sub-committee matter be discussed. In terms of the court ruling, De Lille can also be excluded from the meetings if the Bowman Gillifan report is being discussed.
Last week the City council decided to suspend Transport and Urban development commissioner Melissa Whitehead. Whitehead was involved in maladministration where the City loss R36-million, De Lille allegedly covered up the corruption.
The subcommittee chaired by the DA’s Parlimentary Chief Whip John Steenhuisen will investigate the growing political tention within the City of Cape Town. The investigation follows a series of allegations involving De Lille and Mayoral Comittee member for Safety and Security JP Smith.
UPDATE: City suspends Melissa Whitehead
The court also ruled that the caucus chairperson Suzette Little can determine what matters can be discussed, and if there is a disagreement they will vote.
Little will also inform De Lille on matters where she is not allowed to be present. This week DA ward councilor Mercia Kleinsmith wrote a letter to the City’s caucus calling for a motion of no confidence against De Lille to be tabled.
The mayor has been formally charged by the DA for bringing the party into disrepute. She remains suspended from party politics. The Federal Executive Commission has been requested to handle the disciplinary process within 60 days.
Picture: Sean Dollery / HM Images