By Neelam Rahim

The coalition government in Johannesburg was thrown into turmoil early this morning after DA Speaker Vasco Da Gama was voted out after a marathon council sitting. He faced a motion of no confidence brought by smaller opposition political parties at the council sitting, which already started yesterday morning. The movement succeeded with the help of ANC and EFF councillors.

Radio Islam International discusses with ActionSA’s Gauteng provincial chairperson and part of the coalition partners in the City, John Moodey.

According to John, there are claims that Vasco was involved in tender processes, but the coalition partners believe this is complete hogwash as there is no evidence.

He said the minor parties brought this on; however, they are backed by the EFF. There were individual counsel votes who voted against the coalition.

John states that the coalition is committed to giving the citizens of Johannesburg the necessary and improved services.

“We are all committed to the coalition holding the ANC of government.”

John tells Radio Islam that it is unfortunate that these individual councillors, according to information held, have acted the way they did for their benefit.

The leadership of all political parties in the coalition agree upon a commitment to the coalition and with each other into the future.

John stated that councillors had been approached with the idea and intent to corrupt them as one of the councillors was offered a sum of a hundred thousand rands, to which he refused. The necessary charges against them will follow this.

According to John, our democracy is very young. Although our democracy has matured very quickly, in 2024, we will see a coalition at the provincial and national levels.

He said that shows the maturity of politics in South Africa.

“As South Africans, we can brace ourselves for this type of coalition government to continue into the far future.”

He added that a coalition is healthy for politics and voters.

Meanwhile, the city is left without a speaker, and a new one would have to be elected. John said it has to happen within 14 days. However, the city continues to function. The executives continue to do what they need to do. There are also the portfolio committee chairs to hold the executive to account.

“The city is not in a dire state at all. The city manager will call for a sitting at which a new speaker will be elected.”

Listen to the interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.