Africa-Press – South-Africa. Deputy President Paul Mashatile says there is nothing wrong if a councillor from a small party takes over as mayor of a major city like Johannesburg.
Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday, Mashatile referred to the situation in the City of Johannesburg which is being led by Mayor Thapelo Amad from Al Jama-ah – a party with less than 1% of electoral support.
“There have been challenges in many coalition governments. By its very nature, coalition governments accommodate small parties. I am not shocked by the mayor from a small party.
“Because if the spirit is to work together, we must not say, ‘small parties, yes we want you, but we have no role for you’,” he said.
South Africa’s economic hub has been at the centre of coalition drama with changing coalition governments, which brings new mayors and other leadership changes.
Mashatile was responding to a question from DA MP Tim Brauteseth.
“The reality of coalition governments is reflected in the farcical situation in Johannesburg where a 0.6% party is holding the mayoral chain.
“As the second largest party in the country, we have come up with legislation to stabilise coalitions based on best practices internationally.
Brauteseth asked:
Mashatile said Johannesburg was stable with a mayor from a small party.
“Our approach on the ground must always be constructive where we appreciate and work with anybody who has constructive proposals. We have done so in the past.
“It must be correct proposals that advance and ensure that we can deliver services. Small parties have a role to play, and where they must hold positions, let it be,” he added.
Last week, ActionSA announced it would table a motion of no confidence in Amad following his interview with SABC, where he disclosed a private company had proposed a loan of R9.5 billion to improve the City.
News24 understands the ANC, which along with the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and EFF played a central role in electing Amad as mayor in January, will field another Al Jamah-Ah councillor, Kabelo Gwamanda, as mayor should Amad be unseated.
Meanwhile, the PA leader Gayton McKenzie will now prioritise removing Amad, and is even willing to work with the DA despite its stance on refusing to support his candidacy for mayor.
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