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The ruling party managed to secure 37 of the required votes, one of which was cast by the IFP’s Bonginkosi Dhlamini.
Gauteng Prime Minister David Makhura delivers his state of the province address to the Gauteng legislature on February 23, 2021. Image: @ GautengProvince / Twitter.
JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress (ANC) in the Gauteng provincial legislature, with the help of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), defeated a motion of no confidence filed against Prime Minister David Makhura.
The ruling party managed to secure 37 of the required votes, one of which was cast by the IFP’s Bonginkosi Dhlamini.
Thirty-three votes, which included members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), were in favor of the motion, while the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) chose to abstain.
The district attorney filed the motion, arguing that Makhura was not in a position to continue as the province’s leader, this following recent allegations by former Gauteng Health CFO Kabelo Lehloenya implicating his office in irregular tenders for personal protective equipment.
The EFF, which previously filed a motion against Makhura following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, accused the ANC of protecting the prime minister from taking responsibility.
The ANC in the Gauteng legislature has welcomed its second win in a bid by opposition parties to have Makhura removed from office.
The district attorney and the EFF called for his removal, and the district attorney’s Makashule Gana complained about the corruption that took place under his supervision as the country battled COVID-19.
“In the middle of a pandemic, Madam Speaker, the comrades were busy eating. In the middle of a pandemic, they didn’t care that people were dying.”
Makhura has been on the defensive even in his own political party, with structures like the ANC Youth League calling for his removal.
They, like the district attorney, had argued that too many scandals had developed under their supervision.
ANC caucus spokesman Lesego Makhubela said the party adopted the no-confidence motion without concern.
“We were not afraid, we knew that the ANC would close ranks and ensure that we also bring renewed hope to it in our relationship with the Inkatha Freedom Party.”
He said the ANC has a serious task to provide services to the residents of the province and put them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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