Johannesburg - City of Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba has accused the ANC of disrupting a meeting he wanted to hold in Orange Farm to address service delivery issues, land and housing.
“Upon arrival it was clear that a small group of ANC members, transported in, were intent on disrupting the meeting which was well-attended by genuine members of the community. The hall had been flooded, the gate had been chained with a padlock and rubbish was strewn all over the hall. Upon trying to start the meeting, ANC members entered the hall, disrupting the meeting,” said Mashaba.
It was most unfortunate that the actions of a small unruly group, brought in from outside, could upset an engagement with the members of the community, he said.
“The community showed up to engage with the new leadership of the city, wanting to be heard on their plight after years of neglect. Instead, they had to witness the desperate actions of an ANC battling to come to terms with its new role in opposition.
“I will not allow this to stop me from doing my job. I am a mayor for every resident in our city and everyone has a right to be heard,” he said.
As he attempted to proceed with the meeting, ANC members entered the hall and disrupted proceedings. Mashaba said he was forced to leave a hall that was filled with people that only wanted an opportunity to be heard.
“I have been informed, on good authority, that these disgraceful actions were directed by two senior ANC councillors. I have written to the chief whip of council, Kevin Wax, to initiate an investigation into the conduct of these councillors. I also call on the ANC leadership to immediately investigate what occurred and take strong action. Video footage of the incident is available, and I will be laying criminal charges against those involved,” he said.
Mashaba said the ANC in Joburg needs to accept that it is in opposition and should respect the mandate that has been given to the DA and its coalition partners.
He said he plans to return to Orange Farm soon to hear their grievances and ensure that they are attended to.
The ANC however, has denied that its members or branches were involved in any way.
ANC Joburg spokesperson Jolidee Matonga said it was a group of concerned residents who disrupted the meeting.
“The ANC has long ago accepted that it is in opposition. Mashaba must understand the protocols of holding public meetings. He must consult the local leadership - not the (political) branches - but the ward councillors who will then work with him. They would also then assist the mayor in ensuring that his meeting will not be disrupted. This is a lesson for him for the future that he must consult the local leaders,” he said.
@annacox
The Star