The infighting amongst ANC factions has rendered the eThekwini Council unable to hold a Special Council meeting yesterday. The Council meeting, scheduled at the ICC for 11 am, was set to deliberate on last week’s court appearance by the City Manager and his role going forward.
EXCO met in-committee from 8 am to 9.30 am. This meant that political parties had an hour and a half to caucus on any developments and come to a decision.
By 11.30 am, the ANC had still not arrived in the ICC chamber. Rumours abound that different factions within the ANC couldn’t decide who should act for the City Manager. Some apparently favoured DCM Sipho Cele whilst others in the ANC wanted COO Musa Mbhele.
The DA pointed out that the Rules of Order By-Law clearly only allows 30 minutes for a quorum to be formed and accordingly the Speaker was forced to adjourn Council.
This leaves eThekwini in limbo- can the City Manager return to work and what happens from here?
More critically, why can the ANC not get their act together on such key decisions?
The ICC costs hundreds of rands per day for hire, which the public must now fork out for.
The ANC is clearly at war with itself and unable to conduct the basics of governance. It’s time for residents of eThekwini to show them the door.