GMFB disrupts council meeting in Secunda
GMFB chairperson Nick Mathabe said the current LED Forum leadership, chaired by the mayor with the municipal manager as secretary, did not comply with Section 16 of the Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000) and the Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ national LED guidelines.
The Govan Mbeki First Business (GMFB) community and business structure stormed the ordinary council meeting on August 27.
It demanded that Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma accept its memorandum, in which the GMFB called for the immediate disbandment of the municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) Forum, which, they argued, was unlawfully constituted.
Presenting their grievances, GMFB chairperson Nick Mathabe said the current LED Forum leadership, chaired by the mayor with the municipal manager as secretary, did not comply with Section 16 of the Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000) and the Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ national LED guidelines.
“These laws require that LED Forum leadership be stakeholder-elected, not municipally controlled. Municipalities, through their LED units, are mandated to facilitate and support LED Forums, not lead them. The independence of LED Forums is essential for effective local economic development,” said Mathabe.
Mathabe stressed that leadership should be elected from among stakeholders such as business representatives, community members and civil society organisations.
The GMFB memorandum was received on behalf of the council by chief whip Mapike Mtsweni and the MMC for Planning and Development, Thandi Ngxonono.
After handing over the memorandum, Mathabe declared that the existing LED Forum was effectively disbanded. He said the business formation would immediately notify all companies and mines operating in the municipality of the decision and convene a meeting with stakeholders to elect a legitimate structure.
“We are tired of being told about this illegitimate LED Forum when we want to hold companies accountable. That structure never represented the interests of the community, only a select few. This is the beginning of a new era,” said Mathabe.
The GMFB said it would await the municipality’s formal response to its memorandum but emphasised that its action marked the start of reconstructing a lawful and representative LED Forum to serve the interests of business, labour, community and civil society.
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