Political instability following the falling-out between the ANC and EFF in the Ekurhuleni Metro led to the postponement of an important council meeting on short notice today.
It was necessitated by the sudden resignation of the Speaker, Ms Dora Mlambo, after her appointment as Member of the Mayoral Committee on Economic Infrastructure and Development.
The meeting was due to address important matters that directly affect residents – matters that require urgent oversight, accountability and decisive leadership.
Instead, councillors and officials showed up in vain, because the meeting could not lawfully proceed due to procedural shortcomings.
In terms of the Municipal Structures Act, a minimum of 72 hours’ notice must be given for a new meeting when the office of the Speaker is vacated. In the interim, the City Manager has to chair the meeting until a new Speaker is elected. These legal requirements were not complied with.
This incident is indicative of a governing party that is more focused on political reshuffling than on responsible governance. Proper planning and compliance with legislation are not optional, but a fundamental obligation.
Accountability should be demanded for the fruitless expenditure, such as catering and logistical arrangements.
Council business should be conducted with the seriousness and professionalism that Ekurhuleni residents deserve. They simply cannot afford this kind of chaos.
