A comment by an ANC councillor that the EFF is in a ‘vat en sit’ relationship with the DA saw proceedings being halted at the fourth ordinary sitting of the City of Johannesburg Council.
An argument erupted after ANC councillor, Solly Mogase said the EFF was married to the DA, a comment that didn’t go down well with the EFF caucus in council. Chairperson of the EFF in Johannesburg, Musa Novela demanded that Mogase retract his statement as it misled the house.
Mogase did retract the marriage statement, but in turn threw another comment that angered the EFF councillors even more. He said the EFF was in a vat en sit relationship with the DA. Novela demanded a retraction and Council Speaker, Vasco Da Gama then ruled that Mogase must retract that statement. Mogase refused, saying there was nothing offensive about the statement. “Marriage is a beautiful thing, how can it be offensive or derogatory?”
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Da Gama then ruled that Mogase, together with another ANC councillor, Matshidiso Mfikoe had to leave the house. Mfikoe was ordered to leave as she stood up and spoke without the Speaker’s permission. The defiant Mfikoe together with Mogase refused to leave meanwhile, other ANC councillors sang and danced in the house, bringing proceedings to a standstill throughout the day.
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Spokesperson of the ANC in Johannesburg, Jolidee Matongo defended the unruly behaviour of their councillors. Matongo said they were fed up with the inconsistent application of the house rules by the speaker. He accused the Speaker of allowing EFF councillors to do as they please in council. “EFF’s Novela speaks whenever he wants to. EFF councillors are always hurling insults at us (ANC) but nothing is ever done to correct this.” Matongo said they did this to send a strong message to the Speaker, hoping that he will start being impartial during meetings.
Most items that were on the agenda could not be tabled for discussion because of time constraints but they have been referred for discussion in Section 79 committees (portfolio committees). These committees play an oversight role and are not delegated any decision-making powers. They are responsible for submitting reports to council.
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