Joburg council to wait another week to elect chairpersons

Voting for chairpersons will commence next Thursday. 

The voting was postponed on Tuesday after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African National Congress (ANC), together with the smalller opposition parties, walked out of Tuesday’s council meeting.

Hot on their heals was the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) which meant the council failed to reach quorum. 

Council Speaker Vasco da Gama admitted the DA and its coalition parties were very surprised at the IFP’s decision to leave the council meeting.  

“But also I think you all heard the rumor and obviously were alerted by the media. I didn’t know there was some of negotiation with the IFP to try and get the IFP to withdraw from this council meeting.

“The minority parties, led by councillor Arnolds and as you saw the EFF, and IFP, Al Jama-ah left us with 131 councilors meaning that we could not announce those that were nominated.” 

During a press briefing on Monday, the DA led coalition parties had expressed confidence in their agreement. 

But they were soon left with egg on their face when the IFP walked out with other coalition parties. 

ActionSA Gauteng chairperson John Moodey says opposition parties in council should accept defeat. 

“I think that the opposition has to wake up and smell the coffee and accept defeat and adhere to the principles of democracy. Let’s put party politics aside and let’s continue to do what needs to be done.” 

The Congress of the People's Colleen Makhubela will maintain her position as chair of chairs after she was elected unopposed.

 ALSO READ