The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape is disappointed and furious at the actions of former Cederberg Speaker Benjamin Zass for his decision to connive with the ANC to remove DA Mayor William Farmer and ADC Deputy Mayor Francina Sokuyeka, through a Motion of Removal in special council sitting today.
This motion was brought forward by the ANC and supported by Zass even after the Municipal Manager advised that a motion would be unlawful, as it was not done with prior notice.
On the advice of the Municipal Manager that the motion would be unlawful, the DA councillors took the decision not to participate in this illegal practice and left the council chambers. The ANC along with Zass proceeded with the motion, knowing it would be unlawful and removed the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
It has become a trend for the ANC in the province to overthrow legally constituted councils through illegal methods. The DA will not participate in these unlawful proceedings and will be seeking legal advice on the matter.
The DA will not allow the ANC to take over DA-led municipalities in the Western Cape in their effort to destroy the work done by our governments. This is a strategy by the ANC and an attack on good governance, and we will not stand for it. We will be meeting with the DA caucus about what transpired today and fight this matter through legal channels.