Pretoria - Desperation, fear and feeling threatened were some of the expressions used by opposition parties in Tshwane about the appointment of Paul Mashatile as MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
FF Plus councillor Piet Uys said the ANC was desperate to remain in power, and bringing in an external person would seem like a reasonable solution. “But of course it won’t work; the ANC in the city is under serious threat,” Uys said.
Moafrica Mabongwana of the EFF said the ANC was well aware of its disabilities, hence the reinforcement.
He said the EFF was a big threat and could not be ignored.
“We were only eight months old when we entered the 2014 elections race,” he said.
Mabongwana said they were ill prepared with no funds and machinery to run their campaigns at the time.
“This time we have structures, including across the length and breadth of Tshwane. We are very prepared to win Tshwane, and we will. We are taking over Tshwane.”
The DA’s Solly Msimanga said Mashatile had his own skeletons and led a fractured province during his time as premier. “His return doesn’t deter us; it motivates us because we realise they are scared,” he said.
“They have too much faith in him, mainly because he is (Tshwane executive mayor Kgosientso) Ramokgopa’s ally. They realised Ramokgopa doesn’t have what it takes to retain the city; look at all the recent infighting in the ANC.”
Cope said the reshuffle showed the ANC was in panic mode following dissatisfaction among members in branches. The “bum protest” and threats to burn the mayor’s parents’ house were hash indications of the problems, and swift action had to be taken, Cope stated.
But ANC Tshwane spokesman Teboho Joala said they welcomed the decision and foresightedness of the collective and Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
He said the premier and provincial structures had applied their minds and saw the need to strengthen government.
“Mashatile came highly commended. The decision to appoint him was bold with the interest of the people at heart.”
Pretoria News