MyPE

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In current form the NMB council meeting contravenes court order

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Dear MyPE

The Nelson Mandela Bay Speaker, ANC Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, has failed to place the election of an Executive Mayor on the agenda for the upcoming Council meeting, scheduled to take place this Friday, 2 October 2020.

This is in direct violation of a recent High Court order, and flies in the face of directives issued to her by both the provincial and national departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

I have therefore written to her, to highlight that she has yet again failed to place the election of an Executive Mayor on the agenda.

The DA is also concerned that the Metro currently does not have a validly appointed Acting City Manager.

I have also brought under the Speaker’s attention that the DA questions why she has called a Virtual Council meeting.

Under lockdown Level 1 regulations gatherings up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor and 500 people for outdoor gatherings, provided no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue is used, are allowed.

In this regard, Council can make use of the Feathermarket Centre, which would be more than adequate to host the Council meeting while complying with all regulations.

Calling a physical council meeting would eliminate potential technical problems, such as those experienced during previous Virtual Council meetings.

Other concerns regarding Virtual Council meetings include unreliable voting procedures, which could be disputed, bringing into question the validity of decisions taken by Council, including the proposed Adjustment budget which may then be open to legal challenge.

I am, therefore, calling on the Speaker to fulfil her duties impartially, lawfully and within the prescripts of the Constitution. She needs to ensure that the vote for an Executive Mayor and Chief Whip are placed on the agenda as a matter of urgency.

She must also call a full physical council meeting, to be held at the Feathermarket Centre to ensure proper participation by all members of Council.

The DA will make sure that good governance and accountability return to Nelson Mandela Bay and will work tirelessly to turn this Metro around. We can fix this mess, we have done it before, and we will, together with the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, do it again.

Regards

Cllr Nqaba Bhanga
DA Eastern Cape Provincial Leader and NMB Mayoral Candidate

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