The Democratic Alliance(DA) has replaced Masizole Mnqasela as the Speaker of Western Cape Parliament. His replacement Daylin Mitchell who was the MEC for Mobility was inagurated earlier today Monday 12 December.
DA accused Mnqasela of corruption in May this year but the former Speaker denied any criminal acts. Two weeks ago, on 25 November the DA told Mnqasela that they have iniated a motion of no confidence against him.
Today, Western Cape Judge President John Hlope presided over the election of the new Speaker.
Daylin Mitchell who was the MEC for Mobility was inagurated earlier today Monday 12 December. Photo Supplied.
Mitchell beat ANC candidate Nobulumko Nkondlo. The newly elected Speaker got 23 votes while Nkondlo got 11 votes. The total votes cast were 36, two were spoiled.
Mnqasela held a press conference where he accused the party leaders of plotting against him. At the press conference, he said he was not clinging to power. He said the processes for his removal to be lawful.
“In Parliament there has never been a complaint by the party that the Speaker has done something wrong. There is something very odd about this process and I thought it was also important to highlight that,” Mnqasela said during the press conference.
After he spoke out, the party told him that he has ceased to be a member of the DA “after making disparaging remarks about the party”.
Also read Mnqasela goes to court after DA kicks him out
DA told Mnqasela to reapply for the party’s membership.
On Friday 09 December, the former Speaker filled some court papers at Western Cape High Court challenging his expulsion from the party.