Opposition and Minority Parties Prioritise Political Greed at the expense of Ekurhuleni Residents

by Cllr. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane — DA Deputy Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni

Date: 26 January 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

In the Ordinary Council Meeting of the 26th of January 2023, the Democratic Alliance (DA) put the residents of Ekurhuleni first by tabling a motion without notice to give precedence to the passing of the Adjustment Budget which would bring about a realignment of resources to areas where they are most needed in the City and improve service delivery to the benefit for our residents.

The motion was tabled per rule 86 (1) (a) of the Council Standing Orders by-law which states that every motion requires notice except a motion “postponing or discharging or giving precedence to an item on the Council agenda”.

The DA proposed the above motion to prioritize service delivery enhancement efforts in the city following numerous disruptions of committee and council proceedings. Instead of voting in favour of the passing of the Adjustment, minority Councillor Alderman Izak Berg, of the Rate Payer’s Association of South Africa (IRASA) opted to introduce an amendment to the DA’s motion in an effort to give precedence to a debate on a Motion of No Confidence against the Speaker and Whip of Council, Cllr. Raymond Dhlamini, and Ald. Khetha Shandu, which was erroneously included in the Council Agenda.

With full knowledge of the potential impact of the adjustment budget on already resource-strained departments in the City, Cllr Berg saw it fit, to instead prioritize his alliances with the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and minority parties in Council, as opposed to residents of this City who have been frustrated with the ongoing waste management and electricity crisis. Action SA also rallied behind this amendment by further fuelling tensions through the intentional misinterpretation of rulings and Council Standing Orders, despite numerous attempts by the Speaker to maintain order. Members of the ANC caucus also played an obstructive role in Council proceedings and attempted to disrupt the business of Council at every opportunity by defying the rulings of the Speaker and the calls for disciplined behaviour.

Had the adjustment budget passed in Council, money would have been purposefully re-directed towards the upgrading of electricity infrastructure, the purchase of new waste vehicles, road and pothole repairs, and the fixing of streetlights. It was clear from the onset that these parties had no interest in the business of the day and were set on collapsing the Council Meeting with no consideration for service delivery and its effect on their constituents.

The DA is equally shocked and concerned over the unbecoming behaviour of the EFF Caucus in Council who sought to disrupt the council meeting while in session by crowding the Speaker of Council on the podium to prevent the conclusion of the day’s proceedings. The Speaker was subsequently forced to adjourn the Council sitting following threatening and violent behaviour from EFF Councillors, leaving the adjustment budget unapproved.

Councillors are elected representatives of the city and have a moral responsibility to serve the constituencies they represent in Council meetings. As a key pillar of governance and administration in the Metro, Council meetings are a Constitutional requirement and are vital to the functioning of local government. They provide an opportunity for political parties to debate and discuss items of importance that affect every single resident of Ekurhuleni. Moreover, Council meetings come at a cost to the City, which is ultimately paid for by taxpaying residents.

With the current political and economic climate that we find ourselves in, it is concerning that political parties would rather prioritize their unrelenting hunger for power and control in the city, instead of focusing their efforts on improving service delivery. Out of desperation to retain political relevance, these parties are steadfast in handing control of the City back to the ANC instead of joining forces with the DA to address years of infrastructural neglect, corruption, and maladministration. While the DA is taking the mandate of our residents seriously, none of these parties have shown the interest and willingness to take up the plight of residents against the devastating impact of load-shedding and the 18.65% tariff increase introduced by NERSA and this clearly shows in the deteriorating decorum in Council.

As a party of the rule of law, the DA in Ekurhuleni will ensure that the Councillors responsible, are held accountable for disruptive behaviour by reporting incidents of violence and threats to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary action. As the highest decision-making body in the City, we cannot simply stand by and allow public representatives to disrespect our electorate by behaving in an obstructive and unseemly manner.

The DA calls on parties to act in the best interests of their residents by ensuring the stable and smooth running of Council to ensure accountable and transparent governance without untoward threats or disruptive behaviour. Our communities deserve nothing less.

Cllr. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane

DA Deputy Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni