By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tshwane speaker and African Transformation Movement (ATM) councillor Mncedi Ndzawanana has survived a motion of no confidence brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Ndzwanyana was elected to the position with the support of the African National Congress (ANC)-Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) coalition, which holds the majority in council.
The motion was tabled on Thursday during an ordinary council meeting at Tshwane House by DA caucus chief whip Ofentse Madzebatela, who accused Ndzwanana of failing to act impartially and justly as council chairperson.
He claimed that Ndzwanana has become compromised in his judgment, making rulings based on emotions rather than logic, and has shown a disposition to favour his coalition partners over other parties.
He highlighted a specific instance on May 29, 2025, where the DA caucus disagreed with a report on establishing the Economic Growth Advisory Committee, arguing it duplicated existing committees like the Tshwane Economic Development Agency.
He said when the DA caucus requested a vote on the report, the Speaker denied them the right to vote.
“The party’s dissenting view was that this committee would replicate the work of other similar structures and advisory bodies already in existence within the city, adding an additional cost burden to the City for its operations,” said Madzebatela.
Ndzwanyana garnered 114 votes from multiparty coalition partners in his favour, while 82 votes from the DA and opposition parties opposed him, with one councillor abstaining.
He thanked the multiparty coalition partners and pledged not to disappoint the citizens of Tshwane.
He assured the house that despite being a member of a particular party, he had chosen to put the interests of the city above party loyalty, opting to face criticism rather than prioritising his party’s interests.