ANC slams ‘white male-dominated’ mayoral committee

IN its first public statement as an opposition party, the ANC yesterday slammed the “white male-dominated” composition of the DA’s recently appointed Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral committee.

Bay mayor Athol Trollip appointed the new mayoral committee on Wednesday last week.

In a statement released yesterday, ANC provincial secretary Lubabalo Mabuyane said the ANC was “shocked by the composition of councillors” on the committee.

“It is a skewed selection dominated by white males with only one black female in the team of 10 councillors,” Mabuyane said.

“Trollip’s decision to make up a mayoral committee dominated by one race and gender undermines the important need to ensure that women, black, Indian and coloured people who represent the majority of residents in the Bay are appointed to positions to drive transformation.

“It appears they hold a view that black people in general and black females in particular are not capable of being in leadership positions.

“ANC councillors must work hard in the metro to demand services for all communities because the DA will fail to deliver basic services to the people of the metro.

“We know what we must do to change the situation and that is to work harder and smarter for our people to win their trust.

“We have to resolve these challenges so that we can continue with the leadership of ensuring transformation and a better life for the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.”

Responding to the statement, DA chief of staff in the mayor’s office, Kristoff Adelbert, said the committee had been announced six days ago.

“I don’t know how it is relevant now. However, it is predictable from the ANC,” Adelbert said.

“The mayoral committee is comprised of a team of male and female councillors of all races who represent all the residents of this metro.

“This team of highly competent councillors has the relevant qualifications and skills to be able to deliver on our commitment rapidly and through their respective portfolios.”