The City of Cape Town’s political parties have expressed dissatisfaction following the Speaker’s decision to shift council meetings to an online format. Councillors were notified that the year’s first meeting would be held virtually, citing potential disruptions as the reason for the move.
Opposition parties argue that the Democratic Alliance (DA) Speaker, Felicity Purchase, is allegedly shielding the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. His office was recently searched in connection with an investigation into tender fraud. Both the Cape Coloured Congress (CCC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have announced their intention to contest the Speaker’s decision.
The EFF criticised the move, calling it a misuse of authority. They stated that the decision to conduct the meeting virtually grants the Speaker undue control, enabling her to suppress opposing voices by easily muting or excluding participants on the online platform. The party claims this undermines democracy and is a clear strategy to protect JP Smith following the raid on his office. The EFF has demanded Smith’s suspension, similar to the action taken against former Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi, who faced similar allegations.
The CCC also condemned the Speaker’s decision, describing it as a calculated effort to delay action and silence increasing calls for JP Smith’s removal from his position.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis commented that he has not yet been briefed by the police regarding the charges Smith may face. He noted that in a previous case involving Malusi Booi, a detailed update was provided by the police, and he has requested the same level of transparency in this matter.
The City has yet to respond to queries regarding the rationale behind moving the meeting to a virtual platform.