DA’s fire relief donation ruffles ANC councillor’s feathers
“Take the donations back,” ANC councillor Deborah Francisco allegedly snapped at DA members handing out blankets to the victims of fire in Alexandra.
A Democratic Alliance blanket donation drive in Alexandra’s Ward 108 sparked a sharp confrontation on July 25 when ANC councillor Deborah Francisco halted the effort, insisting that no political activity could occur in her ward without her approval.
According to the DA’s member of Parliament, Bridget Masango, the party, marking its 25th anniversary, organised the drive to provide blankets to residents whose homes were ravaged by a recent fire on July 18.
However, this rubbed Francisco the wrong way.
Masango claimed Francisco interrupted the distribution. “She came in, disrupted the meeting and said nobody can come to her ward without asking her or without telling her. And that no political work can happen in her ward unless it is done through her,” Masango shared.
“I have never heard that, and I have been in politics for long enough to have known that there are areas that are no goes for an opposition party.”
Also read: City Power announces interim solution for Mahauzana’s electricity woes
Francisco firmly stated that the DA cannot donate to fire victims in her ward ‘without doing things the right way’.
“Let them do it in their wards,” she stressed.
“Ward 108 is my ward. You don’t come to my ward with donations… You will do the right thing. I am a councillor here; that lady is not a councillor here.”
In an audio clip made available by DA councillor Strike Rambani, Francisco can allegedly be heard saying: “Take the donations back to the DA. Already, we have donated enough.”
Francisco emphasised respect for ward boundaries and existing systems, noting that all organisations would bring donations to her and write down what they brought. She even referenced her coordination with DA Ward 109 councillor Lori Coogan.
“I do not think I interfere in other people’s wards. You can even ask the Ward 109 councillor. I refer her cases to her, and she refers my cases to me,” Francisco noted.
Masango said that the DA would take the matter to the City of Johannesburg council, noting that there cannot be areas where registered political parties are restricted from doing their work.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
