DA is now in charge of Johannesburg

A fresh angle on DA's historic Joburg takeover.

September 3, 2016

James Mahlokwane 3 minutes read

EFF SPOKESPERSON: Mbuyiseni Ndlozi explained that although the EFF councillors voted with the DA, they are not in governance with the DA and no budget will pass without reflecting on how it will benefit the poor.

THE Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg enjoyed a great and historic victory in the much-desired Johannesburg Metro following a vast number of campaigns.

DA councillors from the South, Clr Faeeza Chame and Clr Rashieda Landis, could not contain their excitement and did not even wait to start speaking of public services they will now be able to render for people since the DA is now at the helm.

Chame in particular spoke about how she will finally be able to find a placement for a 65-year-old homeless man who has been living in an open garage in the South Hills for over a decade and a half. She had tried many times to place Clive Grunewald, but experienced difficulties. Chame now believes that with the DA’s current position, providing such service delivery will be easier.

In the COURIER and COMARO areas, the ANC is left with only one ward which is ward 124, that belongs to ANC Clr Sidney Radebe. The DA also won ward 125 from ANC’s Clr Solly Mogase, making it clear the Democratic Alliance has a firm grasp in the South.

DA’s takeover is courtesy of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) decision to side with the DA to dethrone the African National Congress (ANC) in key municipalities. The EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Julius Malema made it clear that they believe the DA is a better party to support amongst the two. Ndlozi, who was present during the meeting of council, explained to the media that although they made a decision to put the DA at the helm, they are not in governance with the DA and still retain their position in the opposition and they will monitor that the budget of the city will reflect the needs of the poor in the City of Johannesburg. Nonetheless, the newly appointed DA mayor, Herman Mashaba, and DA councillors acknowledged the EFF, especially when DA councillors stood up and applauded the EFF supporters at the hall during the inaugural meeting of council.

The EFF supporters booed certain ANC councillors and leaders, including the previous mayor, Parks Tau, who could not retain his seat after he accepted the ANC nomination to remain the number one citizen in the city.

There were more than a few delays prior to those that resulted from the voting processes where certain EFF councillors were seen to be displaying who they were voting for, something which was said to be out of line with the constitution. The EFF also requested that the previous MMC for Housing, Daniel Bovu, be removed from the chambers and arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe EFF councillors to vote in favour of the ANC instead of the DA as the EFF’s leadership intended. Bovu denied these accusations in the media prior to the council meeting. The EFF was very insistent and even said it opened a case of corruption and bribery at the Jeppe Police Station and the Eldorado Park Police Station.

Mashaba is said to be planning to conduct a skills analysis in the council. But Mashaba, who received 144 votes to beat Tau who received 125 votes, is reported to have assured all competent council workers that their jobs are safe although those who are not useful will be removed.

Mashaba postponed his acceptance speech after his appointment as a token of respect for the ANC councillor who collapsed and died on the day the DA took over the City of Johannesburg.