Cape Town - Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille has survived to fight another day.
The motion of no confidence in her failed by one vote in the city council.
Last month, the DA’s federal executive authorised its City caucus to table a motion of no confidence against De Lille in the council.
BREAKING: The no-confidence motion in mayor @PatriciaDeLille has failed by a one vote margin @IOL @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/oC01dRKcPk
— JasonFelix (@JasonFelix) February 15, 2018
The grounds of the no-confidence motion were based on the allegations of maladministration against De Lille.
Patricia de Lille says she is ready for the allegations against her to be tested. Video: Jason Felix/Cape Argus
The DA needed 116 votes for the motion to pass. It secured 109 votes, with 110 votes against the motion with three abstentions.
ANC councillors celebrate after the no confidence vote against Patricia de Lille failed. Video: Tracey Adams/African News Agency (ANA)
The meeting for a no confidence motion against embattled mayor Patricia de Lille got off to a rough start as ANC councillors repeatedly burst into song and dance as proceedings got under way on Thursday morning.
Last week, De Lille had filed an urgent application to have a motion of no confidence in her be held by secret ballot, but on Wednesday the Western Cape High ruled that the mayor's request is in the hands of City of Cape Town Speaker Dirk Smit.
Her legal team, led by advocate Dali Mpofu SC, argued on Wednesday that a secret ballot was the only way to protect councillors from the DA bosses who they fear might intimidate or even fire those who vote against the motion.