Mixed reaction over Mashaba’s resignation
JOHANNESBURG – Herman Mashaba's resignation has drawn mixed reactions from political parties.
Political parties in the City of Johannesburg have expressed mixed reaction over the resignation of mayor Herman Mashaba on 21 October.
Mashaba announced his resignation from the DA came after Helen Zille was elected as the party’s Federal Council Chairperson on 20 October. Mashaba accompanied by party leader Mmusi Maimane, said that Zille’s recent election represented a victory for people in the DA who stood completely opposed to his beliefs and value system.
“I cannot reconcile myself with people who do not see that South Africa is more unequal today than it was in 1994. With this grouping of people succeeding in their effort to take over the DA, I have no doubt whatsoever that they will move to collapse these governance arrangements,” said Mashaba.
The leader of the EFF in the City Musa Novela said that Mashaba’s resignation was a confirmation to what they have been saying about the DA. “This confirms what we have been saying about the DA, about its hypocrisy in representing the people of South Africa. The DA is there to protect the interests of the white people,” said Novela.
MMC for Housing and leader of the African Christian Democratic Party in the City of Johannesburg Meshack van Wyk said as a party they were sad about losing a leader like Mashaba and described him as a ‘calibre of leadership not easily found’. He said Mashaba has had a huge impact not only in the mayoral committee but in the entire City through his programmes including the inner city rejuvenation programme, insourcing of cleaners and security guards and empowering the Metro Police Department.
“Mashaba was a man of his word and declared corruption as number one enemy. We will be with him until 27 November when he finally vacates his office. He used to say that ‘if you want to make friends, you’ll find them at Saxonwold shebeen. We are here to work and not to make friends’. We will miss him and we wish him well in his future endeavours. I commend him for standing his ground and I’m proud to have served under him,” said van Wyk. Van Wyk added that going forward, should the DA deviate from their agreement as coalition government, the ACDP would raise it.
IFP’s Alco Ngobese who expressed their dissatisfaction with Mashaba 2 months ago, wished him well for the future. Ngobese had earlier revealed that the IFP was unhappy with Mashaba’s leadership and were considering supporting the ANC in its motion of no confidence against Mashaba. “We have had our frustrations with Mashaba because some recommendations we made to him were not taken seriously. But we wish him well. After his resignation, we will hold a provincial executive committee meeting and discuss a way forward,” said Ngobese.
United Democratic Movement’s Thandi Nontenja said she respects Mashaba for standing up for his principles and what he believes in.”It is kind of sad. We are all deployed by our parties and when a party has internal problems, there’s nothing one can do about that. It’s no point to please other people while you are not happy. He was passionate about what he was doing and we wish him well,” said Nontenja.
Cope’s Jay Maharaj said Mashaba’s resignation was purely party politics. “I can’t say much because he resigned due to issues in the DA> It’s purely party politics,” he said.
ANC Joburg leader Dada Morero said that they will meet with the PEC to provide guidance on what should be done. “We will also meet with other parties especially our partners to discuss a way forward,” he said.
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