ID gives deputy mayor the boot
2006-09-21
IN a surprise move, Drakenstein deputy mayor Jackie Noland (ID) was ousted last week during a special meeting of the Drakenstein Council.
Fellow ID-councillor Thulani Kompela proposed a motion of no confidence against Noland.
“We, the Independent Democrats in Drakenstein, propose the immediate exoneration (sic) and removal of Ms Noland from this position.”
He said this decision was taken by the party because of “operational reasons as well as the political re-deployment strategy of the party”.
The operational reasons mentioned, were her alleged inability to carry out her duties, a lack of responsibility in her conduct, lack of a trustworthy relationship between her and the party, and her inability to give political direction to the party locally.
“The Party is of the view that if Ms Noland stays in this position it can have negative consequences not only for the party, but also for service delivery in the municipality,” he concluded.
Two other political parties in Council were dissatisfied with the motion, however.
First to react was Councillor Dawn Jacobs (WCC), who was of the opinion that the Mayor should also be blamed, as she “should have ensured that the deputy performed her duty”.
Then Councillor Johan Visser (DA) took to the floor with concern on the wording of the motion.
According to him, the ID had meant to quote the Municipal Systems Act, but instead had referred to the Municipal Structures Act in the agenda.
He further warned that should the meeting continue, the DA would walk out because Councillor Noland might hold councillors personally responsible for her removal from the post.
Councillor Jacobs then requested that the meeting be postponed and a new notice be sent out with the correct wording.
After a short recess, requested by the ANC, it was decided to continue with the meeting. At this point the DA, WCC, ACDP and FD left the meeting.
Thereafter the motion was accepted by the remaining councillors (ANC, ID) with Freedom Front Plus’s Ronald Brand abstaining.
The ID proposal that Councillor Wilhelm Nothnagel succeed Noland as deputy mayor, was duly accepted.
Councillor Noland will remain in Council as a non-executive member (with a salary decrease of about 70%), while Councillor Harisha Douman (ID) will replace her on the Mayoral Committee.
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