Zuma must go, say parties
OPPOSITION political parties – the EFF, UDM, COPE and the United Front – gathered at the headquarters of the EFF in Komani on Wednesday in support of a motion for President Jacob Zuma to step down as president.
In addition, the parties called for Enoch Mgjima Local Municipality executive mayor Lindiwe Gunuza-Nkwentsha to step down.
“Since the national call made on April 7 2017 for Zuma to step down due to serious allegations that were made against him – which, without doubt, are true – we as the present political parties of EMLM are supporting the motion. We do not have a problem with him as a person or as president of the ANC, but we have a problem of him being the president of South Africa,” United Front member Aaron Mhlonto said.
Mhlontlo said parties were concerned about the lack of a decision on a secret ballot which had been entrusted to speaker Baleka Mbete.
Mhlontlo said there was also concern that the DA had not attended the media briefing.
On August 8, the opposition parties will hold a march that will start at the Mzingisi Skweyiya Hall and end at the Town Hall to hand over a petition and memorandum to council speaker Mzoxolo Peter.
Regional EFF coordinator Lindani Mdlokolo said: “We do not want the mayor, because she has failed EMLM.
“People do not have electricity, water and no access to land. People are tired of Gunuza-Nkwentsha, she is taking this municipality down the drain. We believe the municipality is for the people, not for her.”
EFF chief whip Luthando Amos said claims of the theft of a cow from the municipal pound, levelled against Gunuza-Nkwentsha, had been taken to the Hawks and the public protector. The party wanted a secret ballot to allow for a vote of no confidence against the mayor.
DA chief whip Zuko Mandile said when his party had the #ZumaMustFall campaign earlier this year, the EFF, UDM and COPE did not attend.
Mandile said the DA had also not received a formal invitation to the meeting.