MAYOR Zandile Gumede has shelved plans by the Department of Arts and Culture to fund former president Jacob Zuma’s record deal.
Speaking at an eThekwini executive council meeting (EXCO) meeting on Tuesday, she said proper municipal protocols were not followed and the project would not go forward.
Mayor Gumede said: “I have read in the media, including on social media, that the Municipality will be recording an album with former President Zuma. Unfortunately, we learnt about this through the news like everyone else. No one has informed us about this project.”
She said under normal circumstances, politicians make political announcements and as the African National Congress (ANC) deployed mayor she would have briefed the ANC Caucus first before making such an announcement.
ALSO READ: City will fund Zuma’s record deal
“Protocol was not followed. We are prepared to speak about the item once we get a full briefing. As things stand, there is no such recording happening. Only I or the City Manager (Sipho Nzuza) will speak to the public with authority on this matter,” Mayor Gumede concluded, adding that she would not allow President Zuma’s name to be dragged through the mud with false allegations.
Opposition parties in council had pointed out that when the deal was initially brought up, a report to officials had not presented EXCO with a report for approval.
The album deal has faced controversy since it was first proposed by Thembinkosi Ngcobo, the Head of Parks and Recreation.
The City recently explained that if the album was produced it would be funded from part of the unit’s R25 million budget and not its entirety.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
