Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Nonkululeko Njilo
Published on 2024-03-01 12:42:18
The coalition agreement between the ANC and EFF in Ekurhuleni is under scrutiny after a scuffle broke out between the two parties during an ordinary council meeting. Executive mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana, from the AIC party, emphasized the need for a review of the coalition arrangement to assess its effectiveness in delivering critical services and maintaining financial stability in the municipality. The tension between the parties has led to concerns about potential liquidity issues that could jeopardize the city’s clean audit status.
The situation in Ekurhuleni has become so dire that the DA, sitting in the opposition benches, is calling for the dissolution of the council due to the municipality’s alleged inability to fulfill its executive obligations as mandated by the Constitution. The recent scuffle during the council meeting, which saw chaos erupt as ANC and EFF members engaged in fistfights, has highlighted the level of discord within the coalition.
In response to the turmoil, ANC Gauteng Secretary TK Nciza expressed shock at the behavior of the EFF and confirmed the ANC’s support for the motion of no confidence against Ngodwana. Despite the ANC’s role in Ngodwana’s election, Nciza cited the need to prioritize the interests of the residents over political alliances. He criticized the EFF’s perceived arrogance and emphasized the ANC’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Ekurhuleni.
The DA’s Tania Campbell, a former executive mayor, condemned the EFF’s actions during the council meeting, labeling them as undemocratic and driven by a desire to cling to power at any cost. She called for a return to democratic processes and criticized the EFF for prioritizing political control over service delivery to residents. The EFF’s Gauteng leader, Nkululeko Dunga, was unavailable for comment following the incident.
The collapse of the council meeting has prompted calls for the resumption of discussions on the motion of no confidence and the need for a way forward to address the municipality’s challenges. While some have suggested fresh elections as a potential solution, Ngodwana rejected this proposal, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues within the existing coalition framework.
The relationship between the ANC and EFF has been strained for some time, with concerns raised about the potential loss of support for the ANC to the EFF if the coalition remains in place. Despite calls from within the ANC to reconsider the coalition, little action has been taken to address the underlying issues. The reluctance of the Gauteng ANC to act on the matter has raised further concerns about the municipality’s governance and financial stability.
Ekurhuleni, a key contributor to the economy of Gauteng and South Africa, has faced challenges in service delivery and financial management despite receiving a clean audit in the past. The recent turmoil within the coalition has raised questions about the ability of the municipality to address these issues effectively and work towards improving the lives of its residents.
As discussions continue on the future of the coalition and the leadership of the municipality, the focus remains on the need to prioritize the interests of the residents and ensure stability and effective governance in Ekurhuleni. Whether Ngodwana remains in office or not, the ultimate goal is to put the needs of the community first and address the challenges facing the municipality in a constructive and collaborative manner.
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