COUNCIL Speaker, Councillor Logie Naidoo, refused to allow an urgent motion calling for the retraction of eviction notices on the Stables Market and New Market Stables yesterday. This eviction is expected to lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs at the end of August.
The Democratic Alliance expressed its disappointment yesterday after the city of eThekwini failed to engage with those affected from the Newmarket precinct.
In a media statement issued by Ward 27 councillor and deputy leader of the DA caucus, LM Meyer, he said that this shows that the city is unwilling to engage with residents on important matters and is acting without compassion. “The ANC Secretary-General this week said it is unpatriotic to shed jobs at this time, yet the ANC-run municipality seems quite willing to destroy the livelihoods of hundreds of families in one fell swoop.
“This was further seen by the Speaker’s attempt to get residents attending the council meeting to remove their shirts proclaiming support for the stables. The DA intervened, as no rules were being broken, leading to the Speaker allowing the shirts to be worn.
“The DA tabled this motion to allow the city to find a lasting political solution to the situation, and to avoid another expensive court case that will be financed by the ratepayers of the city,” said Meyer.
The statement further mentioned that the city manager has agreed, after the intervention of DA caucus leader, Zwakele Mncwango, yesterday, to meet with representatives of the tenants and Meyer to discuss the evictions.
Meyer also announced that this is not the end of the fight. He will be hosting a public meeting on 11 August at St Thomas’ Church Hall at 5pm to engage with the public on this matter. The mayor and the city manager will be invited to attend the meeting to address those who will be losing their source of income.
“Let us hope that the leadership of the city will grab this opportunity to show that they are committed to building a caring and livable city,” said Meyer.
