Jeff Zwane Metsimaholo Mayor
By Thys Khiba – After confirming that they will approach the courts to set aside the decision taken by council speaker Lucas Fisher to allow a motion of no confidence against the Democratic Alliance (DA)councillor Jeff Zwane to be adopted in a council meeting, on Wednesday 23 August High Court ruling declared Zwane’sremoval is unlawful.
The Free State High Court has set aside and declared unlawful the removal of Zwane as the executive mayor of MetsimaholoLocal Municipality.
Zwane was ousted as a mayor through a motion of no confidence brought by the African National Congress (ANC)supported by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)Metsimaholo councillors. Thirty-One (31) councillors voted in support of his removal on Tuesday, 01 August 2023 at Harry Gwala Multipurpose Centre in Zamdela Sasolburg.
The DA-led municipality has indicated that they respect the rule of law and thereby will abide by the decision of the High Court.
“Metsimaholo Local Municipality has noted the court order handed down by the Free State High Court on Wednesday, 23 August 2023 in the matter between the Democratic Alliance and the Metsimaholo Municipality for the removal of Cllr Jeff Zwane as the Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Municipality.
“The Municipality will await the full judgement expected to be delivered within ten days to determine an appropriate cause of action,” said Municipal spokesperson Dr Gino Alberts.
The troubled municipality has postponed the introduction of the new members of the mayoral committee (MMCs) of the municipality event, that was scheduled for Friday, 25 August 2023. Councillor Jack Malindi, elected on 16 August 2023 as the mayor, was expected to introduce his MMCs to the public.
The Chairperson of the DA Federal Council, Helen Zille has reacted to the court ruling by indicating that the DA will continue to fight to uphold the rule of law and safeguard responsible governance.
The party has promised to create a prosperous and well-managed municipality for all Metsimaholo residents.
“The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Metsimaholo Local Municipality welcomed the Free State High Court’s vindication that the Motion of No Confidence (MONC) in Mayor Jeff Zwane was unlawful.
“We further welcome the Free State High Court’s personal costs order granted against Lucas Fisher, the rouge Speaker of Metsimaholo who stubbornly failed to appreciate the rights of Mayor Jeff Zwane to call for witnesses during the illegal MONC,” said Zille.
Meanwhile, Zwane has been accused of corruption, fraud, money laundering on procurement of the security services rendered by security company Isidingo.
Meanwhile, five senior officials, that includes Chief Financial Officer, Technical Director, Director of Planning and LED, and Social Services of Metsimaholo have been suspended following the allegations of involvement in allegedly appointing a security tender.
The DA MPL and Provincial leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn has accused Fisher of not allowing Zwane to clarify allegations that are levelled against him during a council meeting.
Responding to allegations of fraud, corruption and money laundering against Zwane, Jankielsohn said Zwane told the DA that he did not know that his body guard and driver has been appointed as a technical contact person for a municipal advertised security tender contract.