NEWS ANALYSIS: It all hinges on numbers in Nelson Mandela Bay coalition politics
It will inevitably come down to a numbers game if the DA and its coalition partners in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro insist on filling the vacant post of deputy mayor previously held by Mongameli Bobani of the United Democratic Movement (UDM). The High Court in Port Elizabeth scrapped from the urgent roll the UDM’s and Bobani’s applications to have his removal interdicted. The case to have his removal declared unlawful and unconstitutional will remain on the ordinary roll though. But for the moment, the position has become officially vacant and can be filled. Bobani was removed as deputy mayor through a motion of no confidence, following months of escalating tension between him and mayor Athol Trollip.In opposing the UDM’s application, James Selfe, chairman of the DA’s federal executive, said Bobani’s conduct had been "wholly and utterly unacceptable". He had obstructed and undermined the work of the council, mayoral committee and coalition government, Selfe said. A vote for a new de...
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