Statement by Cllr Monde Desha – DA Inxuba Yethemba Caucus Leader:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Speaker of the Inxuba Yetemba Local Municipality (IYLM), requesting that Council rescind the unlawful precautionary suspension of the Municipal Manager (MM).
During a virtual Special Council meeting, held on 10 December 2025, the Speaker unilaterally suspended the Municipal Manager despite there being calls for a division, the majority of councillors present objecting, the DA Caucus’s formal objections, and her ignoring procedure under the Rules of Order.
The Speaker, with support from an ANC faction, announced the suspension even though she has no legal power to do so, and it being a violation of the Municipal Structures Act, and a direct breach of her oath of office.
The resolution to place the MM on precautionary suspension was taken in the absence of any voting by councillors having preceded it, despite two proposals, one in favour and one against, having been served before Council.
Due to the unlawfulness of the suspension, litigation is inevitable and the municipality will likely lose before the courts. The court action will undoubtedly cost the municipality, leading to unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure.
In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) the Speaker is liable for any unauthorised, fruitless and wasteful expenditure resulting from her unlawful decision. The people of the municipality must not pay for her disregard of the law.
The DA has now requested the following from the office of the Speaker:
- All documents, recordings, and minutes of the meetings of 12 November, 5 December, and 10 December 2025, within three working days.
- Written confirmation that no action will be taken against the Municipal Manager until this matter is regularised and made fully compliant with legislation.
- That Council rescinds the unlawful suspension and initiates a lawful, compliant process.
The DA will not allow residents to pay for the political recklessness of the Speaker and ANC factionalism. The people of Inxuba Yethemba deserve better, they deserve a government that will place the well-being of residents first.