With their first time in local government elections, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) started their term with disruption and controversy.
During the inaugural council meeting which sets the tone for the political term going forward and in it a new mayor is elected, the EFF was seen outside the old Randfontein Local Municipal building in all their numbers, seemingly for a protest.
When the Herald arrived on scene to attend the inaugural council meeting, the entrance was blocked – no official or civilian could get in or out.
What seemed to be top officials in the EFF arrived but where confronted by their fellow EFF members. When the rest of the EFF members wanted to enter the municipal building minor violence erupted and people with knopkieries were seen hitting others. Fortunately the Randfontein Police and Traffic Police were out in full force.
EFF member Paul Sithole Letlohogonolo alleged that the incident was as a result of internal unrest.
“We chose certain people to represent us. You know, the councillors and PRs but the list we agreed on is not the same list as now,” He said.
During the council meeting and when it was adjourned, the EFF could be heard singing and speaking outside.
The protest outside seemed to peak mid-council meeting as those EFF members in the gallery seemingly left to tend to their fellow members as soon as the loud singing began.
In the council meeting, the EFF abstained from the mayoral vote and when their turn came to carry out their congratulatory speech, they refused the opportunity.
In the current Rand West City council, the EFF holds eight seats and in the West Rand District, they hold one.
The saying goes that first impressions are lasting impressions and the bold move by EFF members seems to have set the tone for the current political term.
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Also read:
Randfontein and Westonaria to become one municipality
R’fontein – W’aria to merge regardless of metro
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