Mfo Phalatse.
PHOTO: Papi Morake/Gallo Images
- Mpho Phalatse told reporters on Thursday that he had been sent a gift containing a note, purportedly from Johannesburg city spokeswoman Colleen Makhubele.
- Phalatse said the note, which was if accompanied by a bag, he suggested that she prepare to step down as mayor.
- Makhubele reacted to the claim and denied sending a bag to Phalatse.
Johannesburg city spokeswoman Colleen Makhubele said on Friday she did not send a bag to former mayor Mpho Phalatse.
On Thursday, Phalatse claimed the speaker sent him a bag with a note saying “pack your bags.” Hours later, Phalatse was ousted as mayor of the city of Johannesburg in a vote of no confidence.
Speaking at the council’s 13th extraordinary session on Friday, Makhubele addressed Phalatse and the media.
Addressing Phalatse by her middle name Louisa, Makhubele said: “The speaker did not send a bag to the mayor’s office [with a note reading ‘pack your bags’].”
Makhubele took issue with Phalatse by raising the matter with the media.
mayoral candidates
Meanwhile, three candidates have been nominated for the vacant mayoral seat: Al Jama-ah councilor Thapelo Amad, ActionSA councilor Funzi Ngobeni and DA’s Phalatse.
As on Thursday, the leaders of various parties, including Al Jama-ah, were present in the auditorium.
Palestinian Authority leaders Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene were also on the council. They were seen chatting with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Al Jama-ah leaders also took photos with Palestinian Authority leaders just before the break, which was called early to allow Muslim councilors to attend afternoon prayers.
The leaders are in council so that what happened in the Ekurhuleni metro last year is not repeated. In November, the ANC, EFF and opposition parties failed to reach a power-sharing deal, paving the way for District Attorney Tania Campbell to return as mayor after she was ousted in a motion of censure.
Lesufi’s presence is said to be an indication of national leaders.
Voting for the new mayor will begin Friday afternoon once the councilors have returned from closing.
