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On behalf of the Johannesburg Multi-Party Government, I condemn, in the harshest terms, the violence incited by ANC and EFF Councillors in early hours of this morning, during a Council sitting.

ANC and EFF Councillors attempted to forcibly remove the Speaker of Council, Councillor Vasco Da Gama, during the 7th Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting that sat to make decisions about the appointment of Council and City Administration Senior Managers, including the City Manager.

The work of Council and Councillors is to address and advance the service delivery and developmental needs of the City’s more than 6-million residents, especially previously un-serviced and under-serviced communities.

In terms of the Code of Conduct of Councillors, “A Councillor must perform the functions of office in good faith, honestly and a transparent manner; and at all times act in the best interest of the municipality and in such a way that the credibility and integrity of the municipality are not compromised.”

This morning’s violence, including an assault on a Council Official in the Constance Connie Bapela Council Chamber does not represent what residents expect of and demand of Councillors.

In a month when we highlight the vulnerability of women in society, especially the violence that we face in society, it is with extreme sadness and anger that we witnessed a woman EFF Councillor physically assault another woman – a Council Official. There were also assaults on Councillors, including two women.

The presence of hard hats, and their use as weapons in Council is something we must relook for the safety of all Councillors, Officials and Residents who attend sittings.

Women face the brunt of society’s ills, it is therefore deeply upsetting that the City Council, which has the responsibility to legislate, inter alia, solutions that protect vulnerable groups, like women, would perpetuate violence against women – for all the world to see.

This is not the first time that we see violent scenes of this nature in Council, despite criminal charges being laid with the SAPS, previously. I recently followed up on the investigation, and there has been little to no progress. The lack of appropriate action from law enforcement authorities fuels these violent acts in Council, and reinforces the reality that gender-based violence and criminality in society are not treated urgently.

I will be engaging with the Speaker of Council and the Leaders of Political Parties represented in the Johannesburg Council, in order to ensure that Council collectively condemn violence against women, and in general, and that all Councillors involved in instigating this morning’s Council violence are held accountable in terms of the applicable Council rules and the law. 

Issued by The City of Joburg