This Council is a ‘joke’
Just minutes after it was announced over an intercom at the Steve Tshwete municipality building on Tuesday morning, the Middelburg Observer already made contact with municipal manager Willie Fouché on his cell phone.
“Is it true that Mayor Mike Masina has been recalled by the ANC, or asked to step down?”.
Mr Fouché would not be caught off guard, he never would. Indicating once again he’s clearly a veteran at this.
“I cannot comment on political matters. You would have to speak to the Acting Mayor, Cllr Pilodia. She’s been appointed in that position,” was the quick, instinctive reply.
A few seconds of awkward silence followed, before chuckles on either end.
“But that was quick. How did you guys get the news so fast?” asked Mr Fouché, as he pondered over the select few that the prank was played on.
He also knew he wouldn’t get a reply, so continued, “All the staff at the building were speechless for a few seconds but quickly realised it must’ve been an April fools prank. Some believed it for a minute, and many believed it the whole day, so we got them,” he laughed.
It was “that day” after all, that would later follow a sequence of mentions at the Council Meeting, some hilarious.
The meeting started by Cllr Pilodia taking the Mayor’s seat at the Council Chamber. A few glances either end, confused councillors were quickly reassured that the rumours were indeed not true when the Mayor appeared from behind and drew laughter all round.
One of the first few items to the addressed was the correction of a “typo” which listed COPE Cllr Ben Mokoena as a member of the DA. It was a mistake, they said.
Later on an item was being debated on regarding development, which the DA insisted that they were not against but raised caution on the resolution of certain conditions.
The ANC though, would hear none of it and quickly asked Councillors to raise hands to vote ‘for’ or ‘against’ the item.
36 in favour of the motion was the count, all ANC members.
When Council was asked to vote against not a single member raised a hand – because no one is against development – was the DA message.
The ANC expressed surprise at such a strategy and duly gave the opposition credit. “You got us, members, thank you. It is that day’, admitted the speaker.
And lastly, on another item later during the meeting and towards the end, an ANC member introduced himself as ‘member of the DA’.
This drew loud applause from all DA members present who were already welcoming him to the party before his quick apology and reference to ‘that day’.
