Claws come out as women turn on each other in council
At the first meeting of the women's council, the claws came out, accusations of racism erupted and those who are supposed to stand together to uplift all the women of AbaQulusi turned on each other.
“WHEN women support each other, incredible things happen,” they say.
It is this wonderful notion that has led to the establishment of AbaQulusi’s Women’s Commission.
This initiative by SALGA (the South African Local Government Association) was intended to tackle gender inequality, promote the participation of women in different spheres of government and capacitate women to not only take care of their families, but also make a meaningful contribution to society.
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Recently, the women that make up the AbaQulusi council gathered in the council chambers for the first meeting of the Women’s Commission and elected ANC councillor, Ms NW Mdlalose, as their leader.
Moments after the congratulatory applause died down, the claws came out, accusations of racism erupted and those who are supposed to stand together to uplift all the women of AbaQulusi turned on each other.
While the back-stabbing antics on ‘Desperate Housewives’ certainly enjoy great ratings on television, it’s not really what you want to see among women in positions of leadership… among women who actually have a platform and the tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Hostility began when DA councillor, Magda Viktor, proposed that a ‘secretary’ be elected to assist Cllr Mdlalose in her duties as the new chairperson of the Commission, and suggested that the ‘secretary’ come from a different party to the ANC in order to facilitate a politically united Commission.
ANC members objected, saying that a secretary was not necessary and as the women bickered, the voice of reason would, disappointingly, come from a man.
Mayor, Jerry Sibiya, was only one of three men present at the meeting. The other two were the speaker of the council, Michael Khumalo, and the municipal manager, Bonga Ntanzi.
“This structure should not be used politically,” advised Cllr Sibiya. “If you look around AbaQulusi, you will realise the extent of the poverty that women face. It is a challenge, regardless of which political party you support. There are houses in each and every ward where you find that women can’t even afford to put a plate of food on the table for their families. Please, please, please let’s not do any harm by using this commission politically. Let us use it as a vehicle to make a difference.”
Cllr Sibiya went on to point out that three additional members may be appointed to the executive to assist the chairperson.
He continued, “You could consider bringing in expertise from outside the council to fill these positions, but let’s not overlook the expertise that you have inside the commission already. Take that into consideration when you decide who to elect to support the chairperson. I do recommend that you choose a representative from each of the different political parties so that you can draw support from all the political parties towards your cause.”
“I agree with the mayor,” said Mr Ntanzi. “I wouldn’t like to see political contestation in this. Put women first before petty party political considerations. You have to stay away from politics if you are to succeed.”
After a brief caucus, members of the ANC returned with names of councillors from the various political parties that they would like to have nominated into the executive committee.
However, it was eventually agreed that each political party should put forward its own representative. The ANC nominated Cllr Lushaba, the IFP nominated Cllr Kunene and the DA nominated Cllr Viktor.
