Durban - The DA’s KwaZulu-Natal and eThekwini caucus leader, Zwakele Mncwango, has become “too white” and “behaves like a born-again Christian”.
These were the jabs councillors landed at Mncwango’s expense during the city’s exco meeting on Tuesday.
It all started when Mncwango questioned the R3.2-million funding for a three-day Zulu “maidens’ conference” next month at eGcekeni Primary School near Shongweni Dam.
The conference is seen as a build-up to the Reed Dance held at King Goodwill Zwelithini’s eNyokeni Palace in September.
The city’s community participation department is co-ordinating the maidens’ conference with the provincial arts and culture department.
A report before the executive committee on Tuesday said the event “intends to educate, promote, facilitate and raise awareness on moral regeneration and management of social ills, especially to the young women”.
“The event is expected to be attended by about 3 000 maidens from all 103 eThekwini wards,” and will take place from August 7 to 9.
It continued: “This conference takes place prior the Reed Dance. The purpose is to empower matrons (oMama bezintombi) and about health issues when they conduct virginity testing, the caring of maidens and outline their responsibilities and allows to share experiences and challenges on how best these young girls can be raised (sic0.”
Mncwango said: “If you look at the country right now, we are facing the increased inflation rate, which tells you we have a crisis. The question is, how do we better our economy? Women can play a big role when it comes to small businesses. In one month, we’ll spend more than R4m – just on events. Why can’t we spend this money on supporting women in start-up businesses?”
NFP councillor Bongiwe Mtshali fired the first salvo, calling Mncwango to order.
“I want you to hear me clearly. You see, Mncwango, I think you have become too white,” she said. Her remark was met with giggles from councillors.
“These people test virgins and save lives. They are never appreciated with a mere ‘thank you’,” she said. “You are too white.”
IFP councillor Mdu Nkosi joined in, saying: “This programme helps our girls remain pure. It helps them grow. If you think this is a waste of money, then I’m sorry. You are, indeed, white.”
ANC councillor Zandile Gumede said Mncwango’s behaviour did not reflect that of someone from rural Nongoma, adding that he was rather behaving like a born-again Christian who had deserted his culture.
The Mercury