MEC’s high-handed approach in Tshwane shows disregard for the law

6 March 2020

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes that Gauteng COGTA MEC, Lebogang Maile has called an urgent meeting with EXCO members, Group Heads and Divisional Heads at the City of Tshwane tomorrow.

The meeting has been called to discuss the way forward after Premier David Makhura and MEC Maile announced that the municipality has been placed under administration.

The DA would like to put on record that this municipality is not under administration as we have not yet received a letter stating that this decision has been taken.

MEC Maile’s meetings with staff are therefore premature, and he is trying to create the impression that the City is already under administration, when in fact it is not.

In fact, the outcomes of such meetings will be null and void as they pertain to a process which has not been legally initiated.

Such actions are typical of MEC Maile’s high-handed and arrogant approach which shows a flagrant disregard for both the law and the constitution.

MEC Maile has shown in the past how he jumps the gun, and is forced to retract his pronouncements, embarrassing both himself, and his department.

Regardless of the MEC’s posturing, the DA Councillors in Tshwane will continue serving the community without fear or favour until such time that a legal process has been followed. We will not allow this to deter us from ensuring that service delivery continues in Tshwane.

As far as the DA, and the law, is concerned, it is business as usual in this Metro.

Issued by Solly Msimanga, DA Gauteng Official Opposition Leader, 6 March 2020