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Today, the Democratic Alliance once again put its party interests ahead of the people of Cape Town when it voted against the motion of no confidence in Speaker Felicity Purchase.

This motion was brought because the Speaker has repeatedly violated the Municipal Structures Act and the Rules of Order including showing open bias, failing to maintain order, and selectively enforcing discipline to protect DA councillors. She has allowed violence in Council, tolerated racial insults, and undermined the integrity of our democratic processes. 

Despite stepping aside from presiding over her own no-confidence motion, Purchase remained in the meeting and continued to direct proceedings. Instead of allowing Council to vote freely on nominations, she installed Mayor-nominated Matthew Kempthorne as Acting Speaker, justifying it by saying “the mayor nominated him and the DA is the majority.”

The DA’s decision to shield her is blatant hypocrisy. Just days ago in Beaufort West, the party declared that electing a new Speaker was necessary to bring “stable leadership” and ensure “good governance.” Yet in Cape Town, they defend a Speaker whose arrogance and contempt for the rules have destabilised Council and placed this institution in disrepute.

This betrayal does not stay confined to the Council chamber, it affects every resident. When fairness and accountability are abandoned here, it erodes confidence that the City will treat residents with dignity, deliver services fairly, and prioritise safety and stability.

Many of the most basic measures of democratic processes have been eliminated or constrained by this DA government.

Today’s virtual sitting was riddled with problems validating our call for an in-person meeting. The meeting started late because the audio stream to the public failed, councillors struggled to sign in, and microphones malfunctioned throughout. These repeated failures reflect a government more concerned with protecting itself than ensuring functional, transparent democracy.

GOOD will continue working with other parties to defend democracy in Cape Town. We will continue fighting for accountability, integrity, and a Council that serves the residents of Cape Town, not the political interests of the DA. Including turning to the courts.

Issued by Jonathan Cupido, GOOD: City of Cape Town Councillor