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During a full eThekwini Council meeting today, 30 August 2012, the IFP
walked out after the Council Speaker, Cllr Logie Naidoo, could not or would
not exercise control over the Council’s Chief Whip, Cllr Stanley Xulu (ANC).

IFP Caucus Chairperson, Cllr Mdu Nkosi, said, “Whilst debating the creation
of a new central library, which all political parties supported, the Chief
Whip of Council, Cllr Stanley Xulu, remarked that he was surprised that
other parties are supporting this project whilst not supporting the
Council’s budget.”

Cllr Nkosi continued, “I raised a point of order requesting that the Chief
Whip must speak to the item and also that the IFP did support the Council
Budget.  The Chief Whip responded with an insult – ‘ushaya inja kukhale
umniniyo’ (if you hit the dog the owner will cry).”

“I thereafter requested the Council Speaker, Cllr Logie Naidoo, to call the
Chief Whip to order and request him to withdraw the statement and to
apologise.  The Council Speaker was not able or willing to control the
meeting and to impose proper procedure,” Cllr Nkosi said.

“In his response the Chief Whip then stated – ‘ayidle izibekele’ (it must
eat and leave) which is an insulting isiZulu expression which also refers to
a dog.  I again raised the matter with the Council Speaker who ignored me
and after I again raised an objection I was ordered out of the Council
meeting.  The whole IFP Caucus left with me in solidarity,” Cllr Nkosi
continued.

“We are disgusted by the coarse language employed by the Chief Whip to
address Council members.  As Chief Whip we would expect him to step up and
be more than just an ANC lackey.  We are also further disgusted by the
inability of the Council Speaker to control ANC Councillors and for allowing
other parties and individuals to be insulted,” Cllr Nkosi said.

“We demand an unconditional apology from the Chief Whip and as it is clear
that he does not have the ability to act within acceptable societal
parameters when it comes to persons of other political persuasions, perhaps
it is time that the ANC-dominated Council gives an opportunity for someone
else to step up to the plate and promote co-operation in Council.  The same
goes for the Council Speaker, who clearly is also not up to his task,” Cllr
Nkosi concluded.