#Joburg - DA’s Da Gama elected speaker

The DA has won the vital seat of speaker in the City of Joburg after dramatic events in the council sitting. [UPDATED]

|||

Johannesburg - The DA has won the vital seat of speaker in the City of Joburg after dramatic events in the council sitting at the Joburg City Hall on Monday.

DA's caucus leader in Joburg Vasco da Gama beat the ANC's Constance Bapela to the seat with 145 votes to the latter's 126 votes.

The day began with some drama as EFF objected to Joburg MMC for housing Dan Bovu to being sworn in.

Bovu was on Sunday accused by the EFF of allegedly offering bribes to its councillors in exchange for votes in today's crucial elections of mayor, speaker and chief whip.

Bovu has however dismissed the accusations as attempts to tarnish his name and threatens defamation legal suit.

Inside the City Hall there was celebrations from both the DA and EFF following Da Gama's election, which they believe would be a turning point in the quest to take charge of SA's jewel metro.

But before the votes were counted there was delays owing to EFF and DA objecting to their votes being made secret.

EFF councillors defiantly hoisted their ballots after voting to show to the floor much to the displeasure of City Manager Trevor Fowler and the IEC.

There was no stopping the councillors who insisted that showing their ballots was an individual choice.

The council was adjourned and will return to elect the mayor and chief whip.

The ANC won 121 seats in Joburg in the local government elections against the DA’s 104 and the EFF’s 30. The rest of the 270 council seats went to smaller parties.

 

Mmusi Maimane celebrates with DA as Vasco Da Gama is sworn in as Speaker of the City Of #Joburg #IOL @IOL pic.twitter.com/eZ9sTiBIKy

— IG: MojoIOL (@MojoIOL) August 22, 2016

 

IOL