NATIONAL NEWS - “I now have to ask the baas first whether I can do anything or go anywhere. I reserve my rights and will continue to go where communities invite me,” she continued.

The remarks show that De Lille will not take lightly the party’s decision to reduce her role to that of a ceremonial mayor through a caucus vote on Thursday.

She has vowed to challenge the removal of her executive powers in court.

A full council meeting took place yesterday, where the motion, brought by deputy mayor and Democratic Alliance caucus leader Ian Neilson, was passed.

One-hundred-and-thirty-seven councillors voted in favour of the motion and 50 against, while two abstained. The ANC and EFF rejected the proposal, while the ACDP said it supported the move in principle, but not for short-term interests while the matter was before the courts.

Effectively, all of the mayor’s delegated powers and legislative authority will now be reassigned, and there must now be consensus by way of a council meeting before anything is decided.

De Lille fired back at the council, saying she reserved her rights in the matter, News24 reported on Thursday.

“I must remind councillors that service delivery does not take place in boardrooms, but on the streets. This is going to severely hamper service delivery.

“If this is the route the council wants to take, [so be it].

“As I’ve said, I reserve my rights, and we will see each other in court.” At this, the ANC councillors erupted into applause.

Read more on the Caxton publication, The Citizen.