The United Democratic Movement will be turning to the courts to challenge the procedures used to oust erstwhile Nelson Mandela Bay deputy mayor, Mongameli Bobani.
The UDM had given the DA-led coalition council until 4pm on Monday to reinstate Bobani or it would withdraw from the coalition Council.
Bobani was removed last week following a vote of no confidence tabled by Patriotic Alliance councilor, Marlon Daniels and supported by the DA and its other partners.
The ANC and EFF walked out of Council as the matter went to the vote, with Speaker Jonathan Lawack declaring the motion carried with 60 votes.
In a television interview on Monday night, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said their lawyers will be filing papers in court this week to challenge “manner” in which Bobani was removed.
Holomisa said they would, among other things, question whether there was a proper quorum as some opposition councillors were leaving the Council chamber.
He said they would also question whether or not Bobani had been given an opportunity to respond to the motio of no confidence.
Holomisa said however that the UDM remained committed to the coaltion but differed with the way Executive Mayor Athol Trollip does things.
Trollip announced on Monday afternoon that a new deputy executive mayor would be elected at the next Council meeting.
Bobani’s axing effectively left the Nelson Mandela Bay with a hung council, but the Speaker, Jonathan Lawack, according to the DA, will have the casting vote.
