The African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg said the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ousted Johannesburg City Mayor Mpho Phalatse were desperately trying to hang on to power.

On Monday the DA and Phalatse submitted papers at the Gauteng High Court to try to reverse Phalatse’s removal from office and the election of Dada Morero as the new mayor.

ANC Johannesburg secretary Sasabona Manganye said the latest moves by the DA and Phalatse confirm their “arrogance and anti-democratic tendencies” that had led to a failed multi-party government in Johannesburg.

“We have taken note of papers submitted to the Speaker of Council Colleen Makhubele and the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg and are confident that both the Speaker and Mayor will successfully defend the matter and not be distracted from the immediate tasks that require their attention, that being serving the residents of Johannesburg,” said Manganye.