Statement of the ANC Western Cape following its extended Interim Provincial Committee
20 November 2021
The African National Congress (ANC) Western Cape held a special Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) on Friday 19 November 2021 to consider a report on the constitution of municipal councils and an update on coalition agreements.
The Extended IPC welcomed the report from the interview panels which were led by members of the National Executive Committee (NEC). The meeting endorsed recommendations of Mayors and Speakers in areas where there would be possible coalition agreements. The meeting further congratulated all municipalities that have been constituted thus far and the sworn-in Councillors.
The extended IPC also joined the rest of the country in commending the Oudtshoorn Municipality for electing the youngest Mayor Cde Chad Louw who is aged at 24 years. The ANC extended its well wishes to the Mayor and all our Councillors, Speakers and Deputy Mayors that have been elected thus far.
The extended IPC received a comprehensive report on coalition discussions and agreements which were led by the Treasurer General, members of the NEC as well as the provincial team led by the Convenor Cde Lerumo Kalako. The extended IPC welcomed the progress made thus far and commended the negotiating team on the hard work.
Amongst the reports received, was the coalition agreement reached with the Independent Civics Organization of South Africa (ICOSA) which led to the constitution of various municipalities. The extended IPC has taken note of the grave concerns raised about the Kannaland Municipality.
The ANC reiterates it’s position that discussions and agreements on coalitions should be based on our set principles of ensuring stability of municipalities, good governance, tough stance against corruption, strict adherence to the rule of law as well as the creation of a non racial, non sexist, democratic and prosperous society. This includes our fight against all forms of gender based violence.
Within this context, the extended IPC emphasised that the ANC should uphold its integrity at all material times in line with the era of renewal and rebuilding. While the nature and character of coalition discussions do not include the imposing of candidates on negotiating partners, the ANC cannot ignore the reputational risk associated with what has transpired in Kannaland Municipality.
While we respect and uphold the democratic wishes of the people of Kannaland who have on successive occasions chose to elect ICOSA as the majority party, the extended IPC resolved to mandate the negotiating team to review the coalition agreement in Kannaland Municipality. The ANC stands opposed to any form of gender based violence and corruption and we must at all times act in the best interest of our principles.
The negotiating team has been given a mandate to continue engaging with all parties that share our set principles as we continue to constitute Councils with the deadline being Tuesday 23 November 2021.
The extended IPC condemned with the strongest terms, the behaviour displayed by Councillors in the Theewaterskloof Municipality who disrupted the proceedings of the constituting of Council. The extended IPC mandated the Working Committee together with officials to attend to this matter and reprimand ANC Councillors who were involved in that scuffle.
Issued by Sifiso Mtsweni, Head of Communication, ANC WCape, 20 November 2021
