A special council meeting got underway last Wednesday at the Wembezi Council Chamber. The Inkosi Langalibalele Local Council sat to address the security issue, although this was in the absence of the municipal manager Patrick Mkhize, which irked councillors.
READ: Councillors demand tighter security after recent shootings
They refused to accept the telephonic apology he made, which was announced by the mayor. It was then decided that Director: Corporate Services Hans Chotoo act as municipal manager for the duration of the meeting.
This was accepted on condition that when the time comes, Mr Chotoo can respond effectively. Caucus members from the South African Police Service (SAPS) head office presented an update on the progress of the threat analysis submitted by council.
Again councillors grew very irritated with the feedback and felt that their protection was not being taken seriously, after the challenges plaguing the approval of the assessment were mentioned.
Some councillors felt that even though they have the same threat assessment status as fellow councillors, only some could enjoy the privilege of having bodyguards. To provide bodyguards for 11 councillors, including the deputy mayor, could cost roughly R663,905 a month.
Among the recommendations made, one was that councillors who feel at risk must urgently submit an application for a threat assessment. The agenda consisted of the Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality Councillor / Office Bearer Protection Policy, the contents of which were emergency situations, type of protection, and provision of drivers for mayors and deputy mayors, to name but a few.
The criteria for protection were also listed in this document. The head of department at Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs, Mr Tubane, said that although the department is fully conscious of the current volatile situation and the need to provide security in essential cases, security requirements have to be balanced against the need to provide service delivery and affordability, and must be considered carefully.
Another item listed on the agenda was the determination of upper limits of salaries, allowances and benefits of different members of municipal councils. This item, however, was not discussed, as the African national Congress walked out, resulting in yet another unfinished council meeting.
SEE THIS: Councillor’s request for security is ignored
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