Joburg multi-party coalition slams ANC ‘hoodlums’ ahead of council meeting

The party’s Gauteng chairperson John Moodey made the remarks during a media briefing by the multiparty coalition in Johannesburg. 

The coalition briefed the media on Monday ahead the second sitting of the council on Tuesday.

The first council meeting for the year was dumped into chaos over the election of oversight committee chairs.

The multi-party coalition led by the DA wanted an open ballot, while the ANC and the EFF demanded a secret ballot.

“The ANC were very clear on Thursday too in indicating that they will make Johannesburg ungovernable, and they will not allow the elections of the chairpersons to continue,” said Moodey.

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“They even threatened to mobilise communities, indicating that they will disrupt the regions in the City of Johannesburg. 

“That tells me that this organisation known as the ANC is nothing else but hoodlums who are hellbent on holding onto power at the expense of our democracy and our people. 

“As this multi-party coalition, we are not going to take this thing lying down. We will do whatever is necessary so that our democracy is upheld.” 

 DA leader John Steenhuisen has described the ANC’s actions as nothing but delay tactics. 

Meanwhile, Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene before Tuesday’s council meeting.

He says this should avoid any further disruptions. 

“I appeal this today to Cyril Ramaphosa that he must intervene immediately before tomorrow and ensure that their members respect democracy. And if he doesn’t do that then he is nothing but a hypocrite.” 

Steenhuisen also confirmed that a total of eight charges have been brought against those who disrupted proceedings last week.