Mncedi Ndzwanana
Tshwane Speaker of council photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Mncedi Ndzwanana
Tshwane Speaker of council
On the 10 June 2025, my office received a media enquiry about a misguided assertion and baseless accusations around the way I run and manage Council meetings.
My office issued a sober, sound and clear statement around this matter.
Once again, I would like to reiterate the following:
I, Cllr. Mncedi Ndzwanana, the Speaker of Council would like to set the record straight.
The rulings that I make in all Council sittings are not based on emotions.
As mentioned, I noted the latest misguided assertion and baseless accusations around me as the Speaker of Council.
As the champion of oversight and holding the Executive accountable, I conduct the meetings of Council in accordance with the Rules and Orders By-law.
I would like to categorically deny that opposition parties are being silenced in Council meetings.
In fact, there is no political party in the Council that is being silenced. It’s my duty to be fair and impartial when managing debates.
It is wholly incorrect to assert that opposition parties are being silenced in Council meetings.
As Speaker, I always and will continue to conduct and uphold fairness and impartiality in managing debates and motions.
Furthermore, it should also be noted that the Council was on recess for the festive holidays, with service delivery continuing.
The allegations that the new administration is evading accountability and disregarding legislative processes are misleading and untrue.
The City has no intention of evading accountability and remains committed to operating within the bounds of the legislative framework.
It is important to note that such a statement falls within the purview of the Executive, as the Speaker speaks on behalf of the Legislature, not the City as a whole.
With regards to the failed Motion of No Confidence against me, well you have seen the outcomes.
Like I said, the truth will prevail and indeed it prevailed.
In conclusion, I am ready to continue with the task as the Speaker to preside over the Council in a fair and consistent manner, allowing all members of the Council, within the Rule of Council, to engage in a debate and not suppress any member who wants to deliberate.
I reiterate the fact that I have not and will never run the Council along political lines.