Gauteng Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC Lebogang Maile has suspended both the former speaker of City of Johannesburg Vasco da Gama and Tshwane speaker Katlego Mathebe for breaching the code of conduct for councillors.

Addressing a media briefing held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, on Thursday 23 January 2020, MEC Maile stated that Da Gama’s decision to postpone the process of voting for a new Johannesburg mayor last year, was unconstitutional and could not go unpunished.

“We have decided to suspend the former speaker for a period of three months without pay with effect from today. This sanction will send a strong message that nobody should ever play politics to the detriment of our residents,” said MEC Maile.

Tshwane speaker, Mathebe was also suspended following her failure to preside over council meetings.

“The collapse of two council meetings under her watch directly contributed to fruitless and wasteful expenditure, as the convening of council requires resources to be spent,” said Maile.

MEC Maile said his decision regarding the suspension of both Da Gama and Mathebe was impartial and consistent with the law.

“It is important to note that this decision is based on strengthening local government by ensuring that those elected into positions of responsibility carry out their work in the best interest of the electorate.”

MEC Maile added that allowing “insidious” conduct without repercussions would set an untenable precedent that would permit office bearers to abuse their executive powers.

Mathebe was suspended for six months whereas Da Gama’s suspension will extend to three months both without pay.

Source: Gauteng Province