'The plug must be pulled, doesn't matter when': ANC on Ekurhuleni coalition pact with EFF

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Alpha Ramushwana

JOHANNESBURG - As cracks deepen in the coalition pact governing Ekurhuleni, the African National Congress (ANC) caucus says its "unholy marriage" with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is not over positions or power.

The two parties, who have governed the municipality together for a year, are on the brink of parting ways following a heated altercation between party members in council last week.

During a media briefing in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday, the ANC's regional task team told journalists that it's prepared for any eventuality, including divorcing its coalition agreement with the EFF.

It slammed the red berets for disrupting a council sitting scheduled to hear Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana's vote of no confidence.

READ: Brawl breaks out between EFF and ANC in Ekurhuleni council

The ANC in Ekurhuleni said its disputes with the EFF are not about positions or government perks but are about fixing the broken municipality.

It has blamed Ekurhuleni's declining quality of service delivery on the EFF, which it also accuses of serving its interests instead of those of residents.

The ANC's Eric Xayiya said the party is willing to sit in the opposition benches than continue governing the city with the EFF.

"The plug must be pulled, it doesn't matter when. We are here appointed as the RTT (regional task team). We have looked at this, we have seen the mess and we will not allow it."

He said the party is willing to ditch its pact with the EFF, even if it means recalling ANC councillors serving in the mayoral committee.