UIM vote on the motion to oust the former Speaker of Council in the city of Johannesburg, Cllr Vasco da Gama

5 September 2022

The United Independent Movement wishes to comment on the facts and address certain distortions of the truth and state the following on record:

On 31 August 2022, voting took place in the City of Johannesburg Council on a proposed Motion to oust the Speaker of Council, Vasco da Gama. The party leadership, and in particular the party's President Neil de Beer, gave explicit and clear instructions to the UIM's PR councillor in Johannesburg to oppose this Motion and to not vote in favour of it. The UIM did not support this motion and it was made clear in the instructions issued to its PR representative in council.

Unfortunately and to the party's great concern and disappointment, such instructions were blatantly disregarded and as a result, the UIM voted in favour of this motion. Our PR councillor opted to act in his own capacity, therefore not expressing the will of the UIM, which he has been tasked with and which he has sworn to uphold, and acting against the constitutional regulations of the UIM which he has bound himself to as a member of the party and representative in a public office position.

These actions have brought the UIM's integrity and the integrity of its President into disrepute. Both party and President are now being criticized and attacked on social and other media because of the rogue actions of one its members, who defied clear instructions and commands from the top leadership of the UIM.

Rest assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that this never happens again, that damaged relationships with other parties in council are restored and that the UIM regains any credibility that has been lost as a result of what has transpired.

The process of removing and replacing the PR councillor in question has been initiated.

We appreciate your support and understanding in this matter.

Issued by United Independent Movement, 5 September 2022