By Doreen Mokgolo
- The IFP has filed a no-confidence motion against Ekurhuleni speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, citing her failure to maintain order in council meetings.
- Six councillors were injured in a November fight between EFF and DA members that the speaker allegedly failed to control.
The IFP in Ekurhuleni has submitted a motion of no confidence against the EFF’s speaker of council Nthabiseng Tshivhenga.
The motion will be tabled in the upcoming ordinary council meeting on Thursday at the OR Tambo Government Precinct in Germiston.
In the proposed motion, IFP’s Alco Ngobese said Tshivhenga has not kept proper order, schedules and resolutions in the council.
“In the ordinary council meeting of 28 January, she failed at keeping order and the decorum of conduct under item A-E (01-2025).
“Council found the speaker to be adverse and reprimanded in terms of Schedule 7 of the municipal structures Act 117 of 1998 as amended.
“She has failed to ensure conduct as expected in that councillors within the city chambers have been assaulted and physically injured under her watch, whilst she had the authority to protect them.”
On 30 November 2023, EFF members moved from their seats and approached the DA councillors, leading to a fight between the two parties. Six councillors were injured.
The punch-up followed alleged racist remarks made by DA councillor Danie Putter to one of the EFF councillors.
The DA blamed Tshivhenga for sitting idle during the fight and failing to keep order or protect the councillors.
The DA’s whip of caucus complained to 13 EFF councillors for allegedly breaking the code of conduct.
When the incident happened, then-DA whip of caucus Michael Waters said the speaker took too long to call protection services. Waters is now DA caucus chief.
In the proposed motion, alderman Ngobese added that Tshivhenga failed to comply with Section 79 of the Municipal Structures Act by not allowing the council to elect a section 79 chairperson for the finance oversight committee within the required time.
“She unduly subjected the decision of that oversight committee to legal and compliance authority.
“As it stands, the office of the speaker stands accused of alleged fraudulent and graft activities to which the necessary decorum and August functions of the office remain in dispute,” he added.
Pictured above: Ekurhuleni council chambers.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
