Council replaces its chief whip amid controversy and turmoil
In a special council meeting fraught with tension, walkouts and deliberation, ANC representative, Cllr Ncgobo received 29 votes from his peers to be elevated to this position.
Councillor Mqapheleni Ngcobo is the Newcastle Local Council’s new Chief Whip.
In a special council meeting fraught with tension, walkouts and deliberation, ANC representative, Cllr Ncgobo received 29 votes from his peers to be elevated to this position.
The special meeting was called after a motion submitted by Cllr Schaba Ndlovu.
In the letter submitted to Council Speaker, Mandla Zikhali, Cllr Ndlovu said he trusted ‘the motion would be served as a matter of urgency’.
At the special council meeting, things got off to a rocky start.
The councillor who seconded the motion for the replacement of the previous Chief Whip, Sweli Thwala, was not in attendance, which sparked some debate among councillors.
However, the matter was still moved forward.
Cllr Sibusiso Luhkele of the National Freedom Party (NFP) immediately asked the standing rules for motions made in council be consulted first.
“The position of Chief Whip is one of council and not of a political party. We either accept or do not accept.”
He added there had to be an explanation why Cllr Thwala was being replaced, who did the assessment on her and where this report was.
“If there are no reasons for this decision, why should we reduce this august house to a political playing field?”
Cllr Ndlovu replied an explanation would only be given if his motion was countered or a vote was taken.
“You are not allowed to lambaste our organisation,” he cautioned. After some banter, and a clarification of the standing rules by acting municipal manager, Eugene Hauptfleisch, the IFP proposed their own councillor, Vuselwa Bam be considered for the post of Chief Whip.
This motion was seconded.
Continuing, Cllr Thamsanqo Nzuze of the IFP asked whether the Chief Whip position had been formally advertised.
Cllr Ndlovu said no vacancy had been posted; he said this was not necessary as the ANC was simply withdrawing one name and putting another forward. NFP councillor, Reginald Ndima argued procedure had to be followed.
After Mayor, Afzul Rehman suggested an immediate vote be taken, a huge argument ensued surrounding points of order and the correctness of objections being made during the council meeting.
Cllr Nzuze then asked for the voting to be done via secret ballot.
ANC house members showed irritation at this motion and challenged Cllr Nzuze, who stated a public show-of-hands vote would be defying legal rulings.
However, in the end Cllr Zikhali was given power to decide. With Cllr Nzuze raising frequent objections and a warning from Cllr Zikhali that security and police would intervene, the already palpable tension threatened to boil over.
“The vote must be done under certain circumstances or it may create a vendetta. I feel intimidated and threatened if I do not vote,” Cllr Ndima exclaimed.
Despite Cllr Zikhali’s assurances that all house members were safe, Cllr Lukhele said he did not feel free to vote after the previous incident in council (during which he was assaulted), and accused the ruling party of intimidation.
He then walked out, along with fellow NFP representative, Erickson Zungu.
Cllr Zikhali attempted to call Cllr Luhkele back, exclaiming there was no permission given for any councillors to leave the chambers without consent.
This was a clear undermining of the Speaker’s authority, Cllr Ndlovu added.
“We must respect the speaker; we want councillors to leave now if they will not vote,” said Azapo councillor, Clifford Mkhize. Some semblance of order came about when Cllr Rehman asked councillors to not be divided over a non-issue like that of the council Chief Whip, especially when other urgent matters pressed on.
He said current political instability was harming the work of the municipality.
“My appeal is for council to let this motion go ahead.”
Cllr Jean Damons of the Democratic Alliance thanked the outgoing Chief Whip for her service, before Cllr Nzuze again motioned for a secret ballot to be taken.The ANC roared in protest, stating imposing on the Speaker’s ruling was unacceptable, while the IFP asked for a dissenting vote to be cast in the party’s favour.Nevertheless, the vote told the story.
“I declare this result as official. Cllr Ncgobo is the council Chief Whip from today,” a triumphant Cllr Zikhali proclaimed.
