Songs and sneakers for council dry run
High spirits at ‘rehearsal’ for new council’s inaugural meeting
THERE were those who arrived in formal wear, while others settled for jeans, sneakers and caps.
Senior management at the City of Joburg had expected all 270 councillors to attend, but not everyone attended.
But for those present, the honour of attending this mock meeting was palpable.
The “rehearsal” sitting was held this week to brief councillors-elect on what to expect at the inaugural council meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Friends hugged, acquaintances were reunited, and if foes were present they made sure they “played nice”.
The last-minute change in venue from the council chambers at the civic centre to the Joburg Theatre across the street did not seem to dampen anyone’s spirits, especially those of the 30 EFF proportional representation councillors and a handful of other new councillors who had not set foot in a council chamber.
For the new kids on the block, the meeting seemed to signal the beginning of a fiveyear journey in which they would be required to work hard to live up to the title of “esteemed councillor”.
As management prepared to begin the meeting, EFF councillors broke out in song.
“It can only be the EFF,” one ward councillor said, while a long-standing ANC member blurted: “That’s our song. Comrades need to stand up and sing.”
The comments were drowned out by the singing.
Some ward councillors took pictures and selfies. The agenda was tabled. New councillors seemed puzzled by what was being said, but listened intently.
Those who knew the drill browsed through their phones.
“The first meeting will be held at the city hall. The reason for this is that councillors can bring their spouses,” the secretary to the council, Benjamin Lekalakala, said, answering one of the questions.
His answer was greeted with clapping by one eager councillor who was happy to hear his partner would be welcome.
The rest of the agenda included the declaration of financial interests, issues of decorum, and the signing of important documents.
An hour and a half later, brunch was served – croissants, pastries, mini cakes, lamingtons, assorted fruit, juice, tea and coffee.
After the meeting was adjourned, friends mingled, new councillors shook hands with each other, and many walked back to their cars.
After the pomp and ceremony on 22 August, the hard work will officially begin.