CoCT Council Speaker survives motion of no confidence

CAPE TOWN - City of Cape Town Council Speaker Felicity Purchase has survived a motion of no confidence brought by the GOOD party and some opposition parties in council.

Renewed calls for Purchase to step aside came after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor Mzubani Dambuza was choked by a security officer in council chambers last month.

The opposition parties were also against the Speaker scheduling Thursday's council meeting on a virtual platform.

GOOD Councillor Jonathan Cupido accused Purchase of abusing her power and showing bias towards Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors.

"Instead of presiding fairly, she has tolerated violence, allowed racial insults, excused councillors from her own party and punished only the opposition. This is not impartial leadership, it's arrogance clot in authority"

However, DA councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe described the motion as a political witch hunt.

"The GOOD party and others must not pretend that this is about principles of fairness and justice. If it were, we would see real evidence, real engagement, and commitment to due process. Instead, we see vague allegations, exaggerated claims, and a relentless campaign to discredit the Speaker who refuses to bend to political pressure."