We’re well into the second half of the year already and once again I get to ask the question: “What’s going on at the Civic Centre?”
Last week those of us who are demanding to see evidence of Mayor Patricia de Lille’s wrongdoing, were confidently promised the proof would be forthcoming at the motion-of-no-confidence that was scheduled for last Thursday.
That action was abruptly cancelled at the very last minute and instead we will now see the long-awaited disciplinary hearing taking place next month.
This is a good thing, but does beg the question: “Since several anti-De Lille councillors were convinced the motion would be the end of her, why cancel it to strike a new deal that prolongs her stay?”
Anyway, the DA says it’s going this route, because it is the “mature and responsible decision to hold a speedy, open and transparent disciplinary hearing,” which is, of course, exactly what just about everybody, including De Lille, has been saying from the beginning.
So why the change of heart?
Well, there has been sustained support for De Lille, especially on social media, which dozens of her critics have also been using to trumpet her guilt without evidence, which many of us have been insisting on.
We will now finally be able to see that evidence for ourselves.
Also, elections are around the corner and the DA needs to do some urgent damage control in a matter they must by now appreciate they severely misjudged and underestimated.
As someone pointed out on Facebook last week, the score is currently 3-0 in De Lille’s favour.
Both parties are obviously very confident of their cases, so the disciplinary hearing is a double-or-nothing play for the mayor.
If there isn’t another last-minute agreement reached (and I’m willing to bet good money that there will be), then I advise De Lille to approach with extreme caution.
I have been in situations where management wants you out at all cost.
In my case, it was a matter of me being far too opinionated.
When this happens, you can pretty much bet your bottom dollar that they will dig up anything and everything - even those things that were seemingly forgiven and forgotten - to bulk up the charges against you.
But I have faith that De Lille - who exposed the arms deal corruption, has done a better job than most as mayor and who has insisted on a public disciplinary hearing - will prove her innocence.