Mongameli Bobani eyes return to power in NMB court standoff [video]
The ousted mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), Mongameli Bobani has taken the recent motion of no-confidence to court for review, hoping to be reinstated by close-of-business, on Friday.
Was Mongameli Bobani unlawfully removed?
The motion, initially tabled by the DA, was meant to be heard in October. However, out of fear for the safety of councillors, Council Speaker, Buyelwa Mafaya, struck the vote off the table.
Mongameli Bobani has been described, by his opposition, as a loose cannon, a madman hellbent on dismantling “the entire executive structure of the municipality.”
On Thursday, 5 December, the embattled mayor tried to call for a postponement in proceedings, due to the absence of City Manager, Nobuntu Mpongwana .
Mpongwana had left the chambers moments earlier after her appointment was called into question. This gave Bobani an opportunity to argue against the voting process.
However, Council speaker Buyelwa Mafaya, facing pressure from councillors, denied Bobani his request for a cancellation and proceeded with the vote.
Bobani was unanimously voted out of power, and a week later, the axed mayor has approahced the courts, seeking for a review of the motion.
“Justice must prevail”
Court proceedings at the Port Elizabeth High Court kicked off to a fiery start. Bobani’s argument is centered on the fact that the motion of his dismissal — the fourth attempt in one year — was not listed on the agenda of the council meeting.
The DA has countered these claims, stating that everything was done by the book. The matter has been postponed to allow all parties enough time to go through affidavits.
Bobani, though, used this recess to engage his supporters, who had gathered outside the court all morning.
“Today, we really would like justice to prevail . We are confident in our justice system in South Africa and we can’t wait for this particular matter to be wrapped up today so that you, as the public, and specifically, our residents — It is our interest as the UDM, our residents. Their heart, is our heart,” he said.
Mongameli Bobani addresses a large crowd of UDM supporters outside the Port Elizabeth High Court. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/PmjXTn4Gtd
— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) December 13, 2019
DA leader, John Steenhuisen, joined the party’s supporters outside the court too. He indicated that the DA is willing to join forces with opposition parties to ensure the metro is rid of cronies.
John Steenhuisen DA interim federal Leader says that the party is in the process of trying to find common ground with other parties to ensure the metro is rid of cronies. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/AF8wVpqa2g
— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) December 13, 2019
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