By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Freddy Mavundla.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Gauteng provincial legislature has, with the help of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), defeated a motion of no confidence brought against Premier David Makhura.
The governing party managed to secure 37 of the required votes, one of which was cast by the IFP’s Bonginkosi Dhlamini.
Thirty-three votes, which included members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) were in favour of the motion, while the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) opted to abstain.
The DA tabled the motion in the Gauteng provincial legislature, claiming that Makhura was implicated in the issuing of the R2.2 billion personal protective equipment (PPE) tenders irregularly.
DA caucus leader Solly Msimanga said a South Gauteng High Court in Joburg had found that Makhura’s office had directed officials in the provincial health department to give PPE tenders to certain companies and individuals known to them.
The DA had initially claimed Makhura was personally involved in the tender irregularities, but changed the context of the allegations when they tabled the motion in the legislature. After voting, Msimanga was quick to concede defeat.
Makhura has been on the backfoot even in his own political party, with structures like the ANC Youth League calling for his removal.
They, like the DA, had argued that too many scandals have unfolded under his watch.
ANC caucus spokesperson Lesego Makhubela said that the party went into the motion of no confidence without any worries.
“We were not scared, we knew that the ANC would close ranks and ensure that we bring him also renewed hope in our relationship with the Inkatha Freedom Party.”
He said that the ANC has the serious task of delivering services to residents of the province and getting them through the COVID-19 pandemic.