In a media statement on Tuesday, the ANC said the latest decision was taken by the North West Provincial Executive Committee and that the ANC caucus in Madibeng will implement it through the lawful processes of council.
“The ANC deploys its cadres to serve the people and not to serve themselves. A deployment to public office is a responsibility held on behalf of our communities, and it is held only for as long as the cadre advances the mandate of the movement.
“Where that mandate is not advanced, the movement will act accordingly. No individual ambition will be allowed to stand above the needs of the people,” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said.
The renewed recall was followed by a response from Maimane’s legal team, Lourens Attorneys, which reminded ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula of the High Court interdict and that contravention of the interdict is prosecutable. The response states that a criminal charge of contempt of court will be filed against Mbalula.
The ANC was given until Wednesday at 08:00 to withdraw the recall and retract the media statement.
The ANC responded with another statement on Wednesday, saying it respects the rule of law and abides by court orders, but that the latest recall is a new process “which will be matched with proper legal action on an urgent basis.”
“Accordingly, and pending the conclusion of that process, no steps will be taken to give effect to any change in the office of the Executive Mayor, a change that is underway,” Bhengu said.
Maimane was recalled in April following a leaked audio recording in which he allegedly offered opposition councillors money to campaign against his own party. The recall was met with a High Court order interdicting a motion of no confidence from being tabled before the Madibeng Council.
Bhengu said that “no individual can hold the people and the movement ransom via out of internal processes legal manoeuvrings.” [sic]
