The festival was opposed by councillors in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) council who cited the Mayoral Committee’s flouting of correct procedure as a primary reason for their objections. The cost of the festival was another reason given for councillors’ dissent.
The festival has been referred back to the Mayoral Committee in the March 26 council at the recommendation of the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Oversight Committee. According to the report from the oversight committee, allowing this festival to proceed when there is still a lot of uncertainty would be irresponsible and reckless.
According to Shadow Committee member Cllr Shabangu said the SRAC oversight committee was reportedly unhappy with three elements of the festival namely: expense, talent scouting/local involvement and the inclusion of local business people. According to Shadow MMC Shabangu the festival was too short notice for the city to pull off. At least a year lead-in time would be required for the event to be properly managed. The proposal was brought before council three months before the planned date.
The oversight committee member mentioned that the exclusion of local vendors and business people was also a concern. The department advised the committee that currently there is no contract signed between EMM and WOMAD, and no expenditure has been incurred by EMM of this event.
The approval was proposed to be revoked to host WOMAD and be referred back to the Mayoral committee for consideration to let the department host the festival during the 2015/2016 financial year. The item was referred back to the Mayoral Committee for review.
