Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse has assured Johannesburg residents that the multi-party government will continue its work in the City despite the removal of Speaker Vasco Da Gama.

Da Gama is accused of being biased against the opposition and unlawfully appointing an acting secretary for the council.

He was removed during a vote of no confidence brought by the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania and which was supported by the African National Congress. It saw the multi-party coalition defeated by 136 votes.

Phalatse said it was a shame that certain members of the coalition elected to vote in favour of the motion. She pointed to allegations of bribery.

“As the multi-party government, we will introspect on what needs to be done to regroup, as Joburg cannot afford to be handed back to a cabal who place self-interest ahead of the needs of Joburg’s 6-million residents. We are nonetheless confident that we will restore order. This is but a speedhump on a long road. We intend on completing this term of office,” she said.