The move follows allegations from the DA that the speaker failed to meet her legislated function to maintain order during council meetings and enforce rules of conduct
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a motion to remove the speaker of Knysna Municipality, Mncedisi Skosana, after a tumultuous council meeting two weeks ago led to DA members walking out. The motion, submitted last week, is backed by the party's intent to garner support from opposition parties.
The move follows allegations from the DA that the speaker failed to uphold council rules and the duties of his office as outlined in Section 37 of the Structures Act, which stipulates the basic functions of the speaker, namely to ensure regular quarterly meetings and maintain order in the chamber.
Jason White of the DA stated, “It is in the best interest of the council that Skosana be removed from this position and replaced with a competent speaker who adheres to ethical and legal prescripts and acts in a manner that is fair, unbiased, and inclusive.”
The council meeting in question was convened to address correspondence from Local Government MEC Anton Bredell and to appoint a new municipal manager. However, the DA argued that proper procedures were not followed, prompting their abrupt exit.
The municipality is currently governed by a coalition of the ANC, EFF, Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners. The DA previously led the municipality in coalition with the PA, but the partnership dissolved last year.
Mark Willemse of the Knysna Independent Movement criticised the DA's decision to walk out, asserting that councillors should represent their constituents by attending full council meetings. "If it's a serious issue that requires a walkout, by all means do so. But councillors must attend an entire council meeting," he said. Willemse also disagreed with the motion to remove Skosana, despite acknowledging issues with the speaker's handling of the meeting.
In response to the allegations, Speaker Skosana denied any procedural wrongdoing, stating that recordings of the meeting are under review and that the DA is within its rights to bring a motion of no confidence. "We are currently reviewing the recordings of the meeting. Therefore, we cannot comment at this stage."
