This is the second failed attempt to oust Trollip this year. The first was a motion of no confidence that failed to materialise.
The bid to oust the Democratic Alliance’s Trollip failed after almost eight hours of intense debating, insult hurling and a rejected bid to conduct the motion by a secret ballot.
Out of the 120 votes that were cast, 65 were against removing Trollip, with the six Economic Freedom Fighters councillors voting with the DA-led coalition. The opposition only managing to muster 54 votes.
Trollip’s fate was decided by the EFF who had the power to swing the vote either way. Quiet in the build-up to the motion as other parties pledged their allegiances the EFF finally wielded their power during Thursday’s council meeting and voted with the DA-led collation.
This is the second failed attempt to oust Trollip this year. The first was a motion of no confidence that failed to materialise.
Speaking to the Mail & Guardian after the failed motion former deputy mayor, Mongameli Bobani who seconded the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) motion to remove Trollip, said another motion of no confidence against Trollip would be tabled before the next council meeting. He also said that he will request that the next motion be conducted through a secret ballot.
“The residents want him out [Trollip]. We will continue to fight for what the people want. We will table another motion and put it forward in the next council meeting and this time around it will be conducted through a secret ballot. The DA are the ones who have been calling for a secret ballot vote against the president, we want one here as well.” he said.