Reinstated Johannesburg Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse on Tuesday said that today’s court judgement reinstating her as mayor is a victory for the rule of law and residents of Johannesburg.

Mayor Phalatse was recently stripped off her mayoral position in the City following a motion of no confidence sponsored by African National Congress (ANC) coalition partners the African Independent Congress, a day after Cope Councillor Colleen Makhubele was elected as Johannesburg speaker.

High Court Judge Raylene Keightley said Speaker Makhubele was not lawfully permitted to treat DA Councillors as if they had no right to participate in the Council meeting because they had refused to sign the register.

“This judgment should act as a warning to politicians across the country, who are prepared to do anything, even undermine the law, to grab power for the sake of accessing resources, instead of doing the work they were elected to do and delivering quality services to residents,” said Phalatse.

Mayor Phalatse will call an immediate meeting of the reinstated Mayoral Committee.

She said the residents of the country’s economic capital deserved a capable and stable government that would repair and rebuild Joburg.

Further, she said the City would also be reviewing all decisions made by the illegal ANC Executive, especially those that sought to facilitate corrupt acts in the City.

“The taps of corruption will once again be closed so that we can keep the lights on, water running and residents safe. Residents will once again begin to see and feel a different and better Joburg,” added Phalatse.

Link to the Judgement https://www.polity.org.za/article/in-the-matter-between-ex-executive-mayor-of-our-city-ms-phalatse-vs-speaker-of-the-coj-collen-makhubela-2022-10-25