Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader and City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member, JP Smith, may face a motion of no confidence for reported “unruly behaviour”. The motion has been brought forward by fellow DA councillor Cortney Van Wyk and has been supported by Steven Vuba.
The spotlight has been focused on Cape Town and its ruling political party since 2017, when former Mayor Patricia de Lille was suspended. JP Smith played a vital role in that case, and served as one of de Lille’s most fierce opponents.
On Monday, October 14, the chamber will discuss the issue and Smith will also get to tell his side of the story to fellow politicians. He has been accused of the following:
– Plotting to remove Metro Chairperson Grant Twigg as regional councillor
– Creating tension and disunity within the caucus
– Behaving in a disruptive manner which is reportedly acting as a “wedge-driver” in the DA
A letter which calls for the motion to be brought forward accuses Smith of disruptive behaviour and causing disunity within the party’s caucus. The letter also states that Smith held a meeting to “plot against” DA metro regional chairperson Grant Twigg.
A motion of no confidence was brought against Twigg, which he survived last weekend during a regional council meeting. His motion was instigated by councillor Rose Rau, along with Mayco Member, Felicity Purchase.
According to Smith, the motion of no confidence brought against him is simply a form of retaliation, and a “tit for tat”.
Speaking to IOL, DA caucus member Mzuvukile Nikelo confirmed the letter receipt, but declined any further comment as internal matters of the party are not to be discussed in the media.
Picture: Twitter