Tensions between political parties are increasing as they try and garner support ahead of a no confidence motion against Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Athol Trollip at a council sitting on Thursday.
The Nelson Mandela Bay metro continues to be a political hot spot. The coalition government remains in the spotlight because of EFF’s motion of no confidence against Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor, Athol Trollip.
Trollip says he does not fear the upcoming motion of no confidence. He says next time the DA will win outright and not have to rely on coalition partners.
Should the EFF get their way this time he believes the DA will make for good opposition.
There has been a political horse trading between parties for some time. The initial coalition partner, the UDM and the DA butting heads early on – with the UDM losing the Deputy mayor position and then walking away from the DA coalition.
Now the UDM will support an ANC mayoral candidate along with the EFF on conditions that the person is reputable.
The ANC saying they will name their own candidate.
In the mix is the Patriotic Alliance. Its one vote in Council being eyed by both sides.
On Tuesday night by the Patriotic Alliance (PA) Council president Gayton McKenzie said in a statement that the party would throw its lone seat in the Council with the DA, Cope and ACDP on Thursday.
This could in effect save the Mayor Trollip as the votes will be dead locked at 60 apiece. The DA Speaker would then have the deciding vote.
The past week has seen high level talks on national level between various parties with stakes in the metro.
The EFF’s Julius Malema announced two weeks ago that he would use his parties 6 seats in the Metro to side with the ANC and other black parties to topple Mayor Trollip.
Malema is expected in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday for a rally ahead of the crucial vote of no confidence on Thursday. Click below for more on the story:
