DA: Caucus in charge of Cape Town, not De Lille
Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille may be back in office but she’s not necessarily in charge of the city.
The high court in Cape Town reinstated De Lille’s mayorship on Tuesday. In its reaction to the ruling, the DA said De Lille’s powers as mayor will be stripped and the caucus will instead make decisions that are ordinarily determined by the mayor.
“De Lille will now act in only a ceremonial role, with substantive governance decisions to be taken by the DA caucus in the interests of the people of Cape Town (while enjoying the benefits of a Mayoral Salary at rate-payer expense),” Natasha Mazzone, deputy chairperson of the federal executive, said in a press statement.
Judges Patrick Gamble and Monde Samela said in their judgement that De Lille should return to office pending a court hearing to take place on May 25. The hearing will deal with De Lille’s application to review the DA’s cessation of membership clause on grounds that is unconstitutional. The clause was invoked by the party to terminate her membership and remove her from office.
If she succeeds in the review hearing, De Lille could remain mayor for a longer period of time than the two weeks Gamble and Samela have allowed her.
Source: mg.co.za