A South African court Tuesday reinstated Patricia De Lille as mayor of Cape Town after she was sacked by her own party in a bitter dispute shaking the Democratic Alliance.

The leadership of South Africa’s second city has become a power struggle within the DA, the country’s main opposition party, ahead of national elections next year.

In court, De Lille challenged the party’s decision to strip her of the mayoral job and her party membership a week ago over alleged mismanagement and corruption.

Cape Town has been battling a drought, flash floods and high crime rate.

Judge Patrick Gamble ruled in her favour, saying “the first respondent will remain mayor” and continue in the job she has held since 2011.

The decision was a fast-track ruling, which will be following by a full hearing on May 25.

The DA reacted angrily, accusing De Lille of being a bully who was “clinging onto power”.

“De Lille has displayed the utmost disdain for the office… as evidenced by the serious evidence of maladministration and unethical leadership,” it added.

De Lille told reporters that she would go back to her office and continue work.

“It is not all about me. I keep thinking about the people of Cape Town. Therefore we must now bring this to an end,” she said.

(AFP)