Voters lose out in row over office

INTERNAL political squabbles have led to the closure of New Brighton’s Ward 14 council office.

Angry residents have, as a result, signed a petition demanding that ward councillor Dolly Buti’s office be reopened.

The office, which is situated at the Nangoza Jebe Hall, is padlocked, barring any residents from getting access to the councillor.

Residents complained that the office had not been operating since Buti won the by-election in November.

On behalf of the residents, Lindile Nquma said the problem started when Buti wanted to bring her own staff to work in the office.

“She did not want to work with the cleaner and the personal assistant provided to her by the ANC branch task team (BTT). She wanted to work with her own people.

“The BTT interim structure tried to hold meetings with Buti but to no avail.

“The office was finally locked in December. We cannot get services from the councillor’s office and Buti is nowhere to be seen.

“We can’t get proof of address [documents] or the councillor’s stamp.”

Nquma said some people had signed the petition and more signatures would be obtained.

Buti, who first said the office was closed because of problems in the ward, later refused to comment further and referred all queries to the ANC regional office at Florence Matomela House.

BTT member Luvuyo Mini also refused to comment, saying it was only the regional task team (RTT) that could comment about the office closure.

RTT coordinator Beza Ntshona said: “We will not accept any anarchy in this organisation.

“We could not get a report from either the ward councillor or the BTT members.

“Provincial executive committee members Andile Lungisa and Fikile Desi will meet with the branch to discuss in detail what seems to be the problem there,” Ntshona said.