Aubrey Tsengwa
THE Knysna council has 14 days to call a meeting and elect a new mayor, following the ousting of the ANC’s Aubrey Tsengwa in a motion of no confidence led by coalition partners, the EFF.
Tsengwa is now the interim mayco member for human settlements.
Pressure had been mounting on the Knysna council leadership since last year for Tsengwa, deputy mayor Alberto Marbi and speaker Mncedisi Skosana, to step down over alleged corruption.
Tsengwa was removed from office following a majority vote at a special council meeting on Friday. The motion, tabled by EFF councillor Neil Louw, garnered 14 votes for and 7 votes against.
Tsengwa did not respond to requests for comment on his removal.
Knysna Municipality spokesperson, Christopher Bezuidenhoudt said: “Deputy Executive Mayor Alberto Marbi has assumed the role of Acting Executive Mayor until a new mayor is elected. To ensure the continuation of municipal governance, Marbi has appointed an Interim Mayoral Committee as follows: Cllr Beauty Charlie – Infrastructure Services, Cllr Kay Andrews – Planning, Economic Development & Tourism; Cllr Thando Matika – Finance & Governance; Cllr; Aubrey Tsengwa – Integrated Human Settlements; Cllr Waleed Grootboom – Community Services.
“In his remarks, Tsengwa expressed gratitude to the Council for the opportunity to serve the people of Greater Knysna. He also stated that he looks forward to dedicating more time to his role as Ward 8 Councillor.”
The EFF who are in a coalition with the ANC/PA/PBI said the decision to bring the motion was because Tsengwa “has failed to meet the needs of the people”.
Louw said: “The decision to remove Tsengwa is a direct result of the EFF’s unwavering commitment to challenging political complacency and ensuring that leaders put the interests of the people first. The EFF continues to stand firm in our belief that leadership must be rooted in transparency, integrity, and accountability, qualities that have been sorely lacking in the administration of the former mayor.
“The EFF remains committed to supporting an interim leadership that will prioritise the needs of the community, with Deputy Executive Mayor Alberto Marbi now stepping in as Acting Executive Mayor. The EFF calls for the swift election of a new mayor who is both capable and willing to restore hope and bring about real change in Knysna.”
The ANC said Tsengwa provided leadership in difficult times for “more than 36 months despite all the unscrupulous motions” by opposition parties.
“We want to thank Comrade Aubrey Tsengwa for his hard work and dedication, he held this position for more than 36 months despite all the unscrupulous motion brought by opposition parties. (The) DA wants to distract us from serving our people or maybe they want to confirm that this coalition inherited their corrupt government during their tenure.
“Comrade Tsengwa provided leadership during difficult times of water, sewer and refuse collection challenges, his love for his town forced him to go out and lobby for National Governments intervention on water, sewer and infrastructure. His term was characterised by lots disruption in water supply, sewer spillage and refuse collection, but he remained resilient.
“During his term he mobilised resources for electrification of informal settlements, roads and infrastructure grants as well as water grants.
“The council is given 14 days to call the meeting and elect a new Mayor. The Provincial leadership will hold a meeting (today) and give guidance to the Region and the Knysna ANC caucus,” said ANC Victor Molosi regional spokesperson, Moyisi Magalela.
DA Knysna constituency head, Ryan Smith said while they welcomed this development, they did not foresee any further positive changes to Knysna’s current government under the ANC/EFF/PA/PBI coalition.
“In the absence of an Executive Mayor, the Knysna Municipality will now be governed by Executive Deputy Mayor, Alberto Marbi, until the election of a new mayor within 14 days. Aubrey Tsengwa’s removal will merely trigger a reshuffle of positions in the current executive but will not change Knysna’s political leadership.”
Knysna United added: “The way that councilor Louw and the council now handle the appointment of the new Mayor and his/her Mayoral Committee will determine whether there was any benefit in the removal of Mayor Tsengwa.”
They also called for the implementation of a report which found alleged failure of “proper assessment of the affordability of the additional positions” and lack of “the necessary financial information” to assess the affordability of the additional positions, among others. It recommended fines of 25% from monthly allowances for three months, among others.
Bezuidenhoudt said: “We have no comment on the so-called ‘De Swardt Report’”.
Cape Times
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