The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday welcomed to its ranks the leader of the opposition and leader of the African National Congress (ANC) in the City of Cape Town Council Banele Majingo, with the GOOD Party calling Majingo’s move a betrayal to his party and all members of the Cape Town opposition.

Majingo said after careful consideration, he realised that his personal values and principles were now more aligned with those of the DA. This comes as the City of Cape Town Council sat ahead of a motion of no confidence against Cape Town Council Speaker Felicity Purchase.

The motion was submitted in February by Majingo on behalf of the multiparty opposition.

With Majingo’s resignation, the motion was dismissed from the agenda.

“I am committed to their pursuit of clean governance and economic growth. I am increasingly impressed with their commitment to deliver for poor residents and the unemployed,” Majingo said.

Majingo began his political career as an activist. He was expelled from school for having a copy of the Freedom Charter, said DA Metro region chairperson JP Smith.

On Wednesday, the DA also welcomed 49 members from the ANC, African Christian Democratic Party and Africa Restoration Alliance.

MOTION AGAINST CAPE TOWN SPEAKER

Meanwhile, the GOOD Party said Majingo chose to “hide his decision” and was not present in council, when the motion of no confidence in Purchase was called.

The multiparty caucus is accusing Purchase of violating her obligation by “bullying and silencing” opposition councillors, instead choosing to “prioritise the will” of her political party, the DA.

GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor and Caucus Whip Jonathan Cupido said his party would now bring its own motion of no confidence against the Speaker.

“It is clear we cannot rely on the majority opposition, the ANC. They have become unreliable and ineffective. Purchase has failed in her duty to represent all members of council and must be held accountable,” he said.

Cupido noted that the Speaker was responsible to the people of Cape Town and all members of council, including the opposition.

“She is obligated to protect councillors' rights to freedom of speech and ensure that the council operates in accordance with the rules,” he explained.