The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Polokwane expresses deep concern in the unprocedural way Speaker, Wilhelmina Modiba, presided over the motion of no confidence in the Executive Mayor, John Mpe, during the sitting on 29 October 2025.
The DA tabled the motion of no confidence citing the ongoing lack of service delivery across several areas and the allegations of corruption by the Mayor Mpe.
Despite being duly tabled, the motion was not afforded fair and transparent consideration required by council procedures.
The Speaker further failed to rule on the DA’s request for a secret ballot before the start of proceedings.
Instead, the Speaker, conspicuously under pressure from ANC leadership, recognised only ANC councillors to participate and denied other political parties the opportunity to debate the motion.
When a division was called by the ANC, the Speaker rejected any further discussion and only announced her ruling on the secret ballot request after the division results were already made public.
This rigged setback will not deter the DA to continue to expose the persistent water crisis and maladministration by the ANC in Polokwane.
We remain steadfast to uphold the democratic processes and to ensure that the people of Polokwane are served by a government that is open, responsive, and accountable.