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The Democratic Alliance condemns ANC and smaller party Councillors, as well as the ANC Speaker, Thabani Nyawose, for their undemocratic behaviour today by removing the DA’s Executive Councillor, Andre Beetge from the Executive Committee (EXCO).

Not since the dawn of democracy, has such action ever been triggered against an opposition Councillor on the Exco. In terms of legislation, parties nominate candidates for Exco seats in terms of Section 43 (2)(d) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. A convention spanning nearly 30 years has existed whereby parties respect this choice and have never used their majority to target opposition members and remove them from Exco.

Today, we saw the ANC, supported by their cash-envelope-paid smaller parties, abuse this legislation to remove Councillor Beetge without good cause.

This action sets a dangerous precedent which could very well become a trend if this plays itself out across the province which will equally have consequences for the ANC in municipalities where they are not the majority party, and it is something that the DA will consider if pushed to do so.

We call on the leadership of the ANC in eThekwini to reconsider their position and come to their sense before it's too late.

Issued by Thabani Mthethwa - DA eThekwini Caucus Leader